HÀ NỘI — Returning after three-years due to COVID-19, the eagerly awaited international music festival in Việt Nam – Monsoon Music Festival (MMF) – is back and bigger.

Instead of three days as in the past, this year's event will take place in nine days in October. 

The announcement was made by music producer Quốc Trung, founder and director of MMF.

After a decision by Hà Nội People’s Committee, the festival has been designated the ‘Official Cultural Event’ for the capital city.

Speaking at a press conference last week, Trung said: “It (the decision) comes at the right time as the festival is back after a three-year pause.

"The journey of Monsoon will be expanded, increasing its scale and concept."

MMF founder and director Quốc Trung (left) speaks at a press conference in Hà Nội about the return of Monsoon Music Festival – Việt Nam’s biggest international music festival. — Photo courtesy of MMF

Monsoon will be developed into a city festival with a week-long music event, a first of its kind in Việt Nam.

Taking place from October 14 to 22, the event will feature more than 70 shows featuring over 40 singers and bands from Việt Nam and other countries.

According to director Trung, this year MMF theme “Phố Hàng Nhạc” (Street of Music), is inspired by traditional street names in the Hà Nội’s Old Quarter, where each street sells different type of goods. 

“We will bring music to all corners of Hà Nội, and at different venues, aiming to satisfy the public’s demand for music,” Trung said.

“Music lovers can move easily from one venue to another in the city centre to enjoy the music. They can easily experience the shows of their favourite band or singers without missing other performances. 

"MMF will spread the festive atmosphere covering the whole city so the public and tourists can feel the lively breath of Hà Nội and the unique beauty of the Old Quarter.”

An opening event featuring a repertoire will be held at Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square on October 14.

Guitarist Trần Tuấn Hùng of rock band Bức Tường (The Wall) speaks at a press conference in Hà Nội about the return of Monsoon Music Festival. — Photo courtesy of MMF

The Week of "Phố Hàng Nhạc" will take place in more than 10 locations in the Old Quarter and across the Hoàn Kiếm District from October 15 to 20.

During the week, every night, MMF will present  performances at the same time in different venues.

"From this year, lesser-known and young Vietnamese and international bands can register to perform," Trung said.

"We want to give them the opportunities to access the audience and introduce to the public their music. We hope this can help to improve the capacity of Vietnamese artists, gradually contributing to building a creative music industry.”

MMF 2023 will end with two nights of concerts on October 21 and 22 at the former Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long – a significant historical relic of the city with a capacity of up to 10,000 people. 

Over the years, this venue has confirmed its positive impact in promoting and presenting Hà Nội’s cultural features.

Grammy-awarding singer-songwriter Joss Stone performs at the MMF 2015. — AFP/VNA Photo

“The city has decided that the citadel will be the location associated with MMF over the next five years as from this year,” Trung said.

Alongside music shows and concerts, MMF will also feature talks and discussions on music and culture industries.

An international music festival held annually in Hà Nội since 2014, MMF has attracted more than 225,000 Vietnamese and foreign festival-goers.

As many as 300 Vietnamese and international artists have performed over the years including legendary rock band Scorpions, Grammy-awarding singer-songwriter Joss Stone, the Australian/British string quartet Bond, and Belgian DJ Lost Frequencies. — VNS