This special art programme, jointly organised by Nhan Dan (People) Newspaper and the Ha Noi People’s Committee, was presented as a gift to the people to mark the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (2 September).
Attending the event was Do Van Chien, Politburo Member, Party Central Committee Secretary and President of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, along with current and former leaders of central and local agencies, ministries and sectors, and some 50,000 audience members filling My Dinh Stadium.
In his opening address, Le Quoc Minh, Member of the Party Central Committee (PCC), Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper, Deputy Head of the PCC’s Commission for Communication, Education and Mass Mobilisation, and Chairman of the Viet Nam Journalists Association, emphasised: “Today, in harmony with the flow of cultural and artistic activities taking place across the country to mark this important milestone, Nhan Dan Newspaper — the central organ of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the voice of the Party, state, and people — together with the Ha Noi People’s Committee, solemnly present the special political–artistic programme ‘Homeland in Our Hearts’.”
He stressed that the night’s performance in the heart of the capital was not merely an art show but “a symphony of patriotism”, blending music, stagecraft, and multidisciplinary art, enriched with the depth of history, the inspiration of the era and the emotions of the community. The programme, he said, would recreate glorious chapters of history, honour the sacrifices of past generations, and convey a message of national pride, great unity and the aspirations of the Vietnamese people in the new era.
“From the V-shaped stage design symbolising ‘Viet Nam – Victory’, to sacred imagery such as the fluttering red flag with a gold star, troops marching in solemn formation, and timeless historical tableaux, have all been meticulously staged to evoke pride and connect millions of Vietnamese hearts at home and abroad. We believe that music is the language of the soul, connecting generations and offering a simple yet profound way to tell our nation’s story,” Le Quoc Minh said.
The concert, which began at 8pm on August 10, was directed by Dang Le Minh Tri, with composer Nguyen Huu Vuong as music director. It featured renowned artists across generations, including Meritorious Artist Dang Duong, Pham Thu Ha, Tung Duong, Dong Hung, Vo Ha Tram, and Ha Le, along with younger singers such as Toc Tien, Noo Phuoc Thinh, Thanh Duy, and Suboi.
A modern stage of international standard
As chief director Dang Le Minh Tri described, the stage was designed to meet both national and international standards, divided into four themed zones: Independence, Freedom, Happiness, and the Red Flag with a Gold Star.
The entire performance space was shaped like the letter “V”, standing 26 metres high, serving as a vibrant declaration of love and pride for the homeland. The sound, lighting, and stage technology were produced to full international concert specifications. Here, sound and light were not just supporting elements but became storytellers in their own right, adding unique textures to the performances.
Each act was a slice of history retold through contemporary artistry, enhanced with cinematic effects and studio techniques, deployed for the first time on a concert stage, using giant LED screens that ensured the audience could enjoy every moment from any angle.
The concert retraced historical milestones of the nation, intertwined with the image of the red flag with a gold star — the sacred emblem of patriotism and national aspiration. Each performance delivered an emotional musical journey, awakening deep pride and reverence for the Fatherland.
Throughout the programme, duets paired veteran performers with younger artists — a symbolic bridge between tradition and modernity, past and future. Time-honoured songs were given fresh arrangements without losing their original spirit.
The atmosphere was electric, with audiences clapping, cheering, waving light sticks, and singing along like a massive choir, amplified by microphones placed throughout the Fanzone areas. This fervent support inspired the performers to new artistic heights.
Amidst the high-energy moments were poignant interludes, such as when tens of thousands fell silent to hear a veteran remind them: “Freedom and peace are hard-won — now that we have them, we must strive to preserve them.”
Unexpected and exciting collaborations added to the night’s appeal. The closing acts featured youthful celebratory songs about the country and its regions, performed by beloved artists including Toc Tien, Noo Phuoc Thinh, Thanh Duy, and Oplus.
Memorable highlights
The most unforgettable moment came at the very start, when tens of thousands rose to sing Van Cao’s “Tien quan ca” in unison, with both verses. The rearranged National Anthem retained its heroic strength while adding warmth and softness. Against the blazing red of the crowd’s shirts, illuminated by tens of thousands of phone flashes, the anthem created an overwhelmingly powerful and moving spectacle.
To perfect the sound and emotional impact, microphones were placed across the Fanzones, producing a resonant effect as the stadium united in song.
The second highlight was the appearance of 68 cadets from the Army Officer Training School No.1, who previously represented the Viet Nam People’s Army at the Victory Day Parade at Moscow’s Red Square. Carrying the spirit of “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers”, they ignited patriotism in the stadium, marching under the national flag to the rousing strains of the anthem, as tens of thousands of voices and cheers filled the night.
For Sergeant Le Xuan Huy, a fourth-year cadet at the school, it was an emotional first — performing a parade drill in a “national concert” setting, with the encouragement of thousands of compatriots.
“The cheers at My Dinh made us soldiers feel deeply moved. We told ourselves we must give our utmost, overcoming any challenge, to deliver the most solemn and impressive parade possible,” he said.
The third highlight was the presence of distinguished Vietnamese athletes, including shooter Pham Quang Huy, footballer Quang Hai, swimmer Anh Vien, and Paralympic weightlifter Le Van Cong, along with other sports figures who have brought glory to the nation on the international stage. Their participation spread a spirit of sportsmanship and conveyed a message of unity and national pride.
The final highlight was a dazzling eight-minute fireworks display at the F1 racetrack area in Tu Liem District, featuring 300 high-altitude and 60 low-level fireworks. This spectacle brought the concert to a close in a blaze of light, leaving the crowd uplifted and proud.
