Local artists take part in the opening ceremony of the International Choir Competition at Hội An Theatre in the ancient town on April 2. Photo courtesy of Hội An Information and Culture Centre

HỘI AN — Singers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Việt Nam brought sweet melodies to the opening of the 7th Việt Nam International Choir Competition on April 2, marking the return of the biggest international musical event to the ancient town of Hội An.

The competition has been organised by the Hội An City’s People’s Committee and Interkultur, one of the world’s leading organisers of choir festivals.

A total of 600 artists from seven countries will take part in the even that runs until April 4. Teams from India, Saudi Arabia and Slovakia make up the rest of the participating countries.

Johan Rooze, Interkultur artistic director, said: “In the name of Interkultur and its president Günter Titsch, I cordially welcome you to the 7th Việt Nam International Choir Competition here in the beautiful city of Hội An.

“I’m very proud that this Việt Nam Choir Competition is such a successful event since we started it in 2011. We are really happy that we can present this year almost 18 singing groups not only from Southeast Asia but also from the Middle East and Europe.

“I am, and with me the whole Interkultur team, very happy to see so many choral music lovers, together again without masks to sing, and dance, and learn, and meet each other. I feel the Choral World is alive again and still ‘Singing together brings nations together’, especially here, in this amazing country.”

Rooze said he was particularly pleased the ancient city of Hội An was hosting the event.

He said at the opening ceremony: “Hội An is an amazing city and surely one of the most beautiful places in Asia to sing and to meet. You all will experience this during the next few days especially at night when the city is filled by thousands of lanterns and lights.

“If you enjoy the festival and competition in this fantastic city, please spread the word! We will be back again, I feel after three years the Choral World is awake again, and the choirs are swinging and singing as never before.”

The Aisyiyah Voice Choir team from Indonesia perform at the opening ceremony. VNS Photo Công Thành

Rooze also introduced members of international jury at the competition including Sonia Nadya Simanjuntak from Indonesia; Paul Smith from England and Vietnamese Đặng Châu Anh.

Vice chairman of Hội An City’s People’s Committee, Nguyễn Văn Lanh, said the ancient town was delighted to welcome back the event after it was postponed in 2021.

“It’s a pleasure to see 600 artists getting together in the most successful international musical competition,” Lanh said.

“The event had helped promote the hospitality of Hội An people and culture as well as the most favourite destination in central Việt Nam.

“We hope that the competition will offer chances for visitors and local people to enjoy an amazing musical festival, and Hội An will surely be an unforgettable rendezvous for all friends from all over the world.”

Participating teams at the competition are Navrachana School Choir of India; Melody of Aisyiyah Voice Choir from Indonesia; six teams from Malaysia: Malaysian Institute of Art's Ladies Chorus; Malaysian Institute of Art's Men's Chorus; Ottophony Vocal Ensemble; Phoenix Singers; St. Joseph's Private School Chamber Choir; UCSI Chamber Choir.

Thailand sent three teams Cheeseburger Hill; Thammasat University Chorus (TU Chorus) and the Bangkok Voices, while Slovakia took part with one team Cantica Collegium musicum choir.

The host joined the competition with five teams: Hội An Children's Choir Club; Saigon Choir; Saigon Female Choir; Saigon Male Choir; Vinschool One Primary

Transendence choir team represented for Saudi Arabia competing in the event.

The competition’s organisers said all teams will be officially contesting from 10.30am to 9.30pm at Hội An Park on April 3-4.

It said teams will join public performances at the Kazik Park (138 Trần Phú street) and at 106 Bạch Đằng street from 7.30pm-8.10pm on April 3-4.

Local art troupes will stage two performances – Hội An, colour of silk – at Bà Mụ Pagoda on Hai Bà Trưng street at 8.30pm on April 3,  and ‘the legendary night in the old quarter of the early 20th century’ in the Old Quarter of Hội An from 6.30am to 10pm on April 4. — VNS