The Military Ceremonial Orchestra prepares and prerecords for the programme. — Photo courtesy of Việt Nam Musicians Association.

HÀ NỘI — The art programme Đàn Chim Việt (Vietnamese Birds) celebrating the 100th birthday of musician Văn Cao will take place at 8pm on August 20, at the Hà Nội Opera House.

"The main idea of ​​the programme comes from a famous song that has a special fate – Vietnamese Birds. The organising team decided to take this song as the theme to show national unity and harmony," director Phạm Hoàng Nam said.

The programme will feature famous works by musician Văn Cao in three genres: love songs, marches and epics.

The programme sees the participation of nearly 1,000 people with four major orchestras, including Sun Symphony Orchestra, Việt Nam National Opera and Ballet Orchestra, Military Ceremonial Orchestra, MUCA Orchestra of the Army University of Culture and Arts.

More than 300 famous artists will perform such as People's Artist Quang Thọ, People's Artist Quốc Hùng, Meritorious Artist Thanh Lam, Diva Mỹ Linh, Diva Hà Trần, along with hundreds of artists, actors, musicians, and choirs from all genres.

Musician Đỗ Bảo, music director of the programme, said: "Because of the participation of four orchestras, it would be very complicated to perform and broadcast live. To be able to transmit it via television, we have practised and prerecorded it since May."

Along with the large number of artists participating in the programme, the stages of Vietnamese Birds are also very special: an open space.

Director Phạm Hoàng Nam added: “I choose to set up stages both inside and outside Hà Nội Opera House. Even there are times the main stage will be in the August Revolution Square. We hope the show will bring together not only hundreds of performers but also thousands of spectators.

Musician Đức Trịnh, art director of the programme, said: "We want Vietnamese Birds to be not only a programme to honour the late musician but also to honour Vietnamese music. We will bring all our creativity within 90 minutes for the audience. We hope to leave significant impressions in the hearts of the public."

Vietnamese Birds will take place at 8pm on August 20, at the Hà Nội Opera House and will broadcast live on Việt Nam Television. — VNS