BUDDING TALENT - Young singer Huỳnh Thị Lý of Long An Province performs at the semi-final round of Chuông Vàng Vọng Cổ 2024 (Golden Bell), a national traditional music contest for cải lương (reformed opera) artists launched in HCM City last weekend. Photo courtesy of HồChí Minh Television.

HCM CITY — Twenty-eight contestants participating in the national traditional music contest, Chuông Vàng Vọng Cổ (Golden Bell) 2024, performed in the first show of the semi-final round in HCM City last weekend.

The artists had won at the contest’s previous rounds organized in six cities and provinces across the country.

They will continue to perform vọng cổ (nostalgic tunes) songs and extracts from a cải lương play in three shows on August 11, 18 and 25 during the round.

Their performances will air every Sunday on Hồ Chí Minh Television’s HTV9 channel to millions of viewers around the country.

Song that praise the country and patriotism are encouraged by the organiser, HCM City Television (HTV).

FOLK MUSIC - Songs and plays about Vietnamese soldiers and heroic mothers will be performed at the semi-final round of Chuông Vàng Vọng Cổ 2024 (Golden Bell), the national traditional music contest for cải lương artists launched by HCM City Television. Photo courtesy of Hồ Chí Minh Television.

Chuông Vàng Vọng Cổ 2024 began in June and attracted nearly 400 participants aged 16 to 35 in Việt Nam.

The event encourages young artists to develop their professional careers while people learn about cải lương (reformed opera), the south’s most popular theatre form.

The final round will take place for four nights in September. Audiences will vote for the winners.

Nine finalists will compete for different prizes, including the first prize Golden Bell worth VNĐ100 million (US$4,300) in cash, Silver Bell worth VNĐ50 million ($2,150), Favourite Performer and Youngest Talent.

The jury includes cải lương stars, such as People’s Artist Phượng Loan and Meritorious Artist Vũ Luân, who played a role in the development of Vietnamese theatre and have more than 30 years of experience in the art.

“This year, our contest aims to pay tribute to those who contributed to the revolution, demonstrating the gratitude of the Vietnamese people,” said Nguyễn Minh Hải, head of the organising board. “Each performance at the semi and final rounds will reflect deep love and respect for soldiers and martyrs.” — VNS