HÀ NỘI Contemporary music collective Đàn Đó, known for its dedication to Vietnamese heritage and indigenous culture, is set to unveil the result of its latest project, GOm Show – Âm Thanh Từ Gốm (GOm Show – Sound from Ceramics), with two debut performances scheduled for June 28 and 29 at the Hà Nội Opera House.

Using inventive instruments crafted from ceramic jars, vases, pots, gongs and bells, ‘GOm Show’ tells stories of the earth and humanity through a powerful, wordless language. VNS Photo Thúy Hằng

Inspired by the enduring legacy of Vietnamese ceramics – both tangible and deeply rooted in cultural memory – the GOm Show embarks on a symbolic sonic journey. 

In this performance, the pottery wheel acts as a storyteller, while ceramic instruments such as jars, vases, pots, gongs and bells serve as narrators, conveying tales of the earth and humanity through a wordless language.

The hour-long performance unfolds across eight seamlessly connected pieces. Without an emcee or narration, music and the performers’ movements become the sole medium of expression. 

Audiences are immersed in layers of evocative sound that awaken the imagination, stir cultural memory and transport listeners across diverse sonic landscapes – all unified by a distinctive Vietnamese soul. Each composition reflects a voice from ethnic communities including Mơ Nông, Tày, Lô Lô, Nùng Dín, Ê Đê and Hà Nhì.

Brought to life by Đàn Đó, the project features uniquely crafted instruments designed by the group. Highlights include trống chum made from large clay jars combined with tyre inner tubes, producing deep bass tones reminiscent of a giant bass guitar. The trống lãng, shaped like a round rice cake, generates warm, earthy reverberations. The chiêng sành and chuông sành are gongs and bells fashioned from fired clay, each offering a unique tonal identity. The gốm xoay produces soft, resonant sounds through hand-spun movements along the rim of the pottery. Finally, the đàn niêu consists of small clay pots that emit gentle, lingering melodies.

Together, these instruments revive traditional elements and transform them into a contemporary, immersive musical language.

Members of the contemporary music collective Đàn Đó, the creative force behind the ‘GOm Show’, include Nguyễn Đức Minh, Nguyễn Quang Sự and Đinh Anh Tuấn. Photo courtesy of GOm Show

Founded 12 years ago, Đàn Đó has pursued a consistent creative path grounded in local materials. Guided by the philosophy 'culture as the foundation, people as the energy,' the group builds every project on Vietnamese textures and spirit, producing works that are both deeply rooted and forward-looking.

According to group member Đinh Anh Tuấn, GOm Show not only marks a new chapter in Đàn Đó’s journey, but also represents progress for Vietnamese contemporary art. 

“This project bridges two generations of artists – seasoned founders and emerging young talents who are working with us for the first time,” Tuấn said.

He added that the show represents an evolution in creative music inspired by indigenous materials, featuring newly crafted instruments from terracotta and clay. While rooted in tradition, the approach is fresh and exploratory – ensuring culture not only endures, but continues to resonate and evolve.

“We seek to uncover profound sounds from the simplest forms. I hope the audience feels the emotional richness that pottery can express,” Tuấn said. 

“Working with clay has revealed just how magical ceramic culture is – not just in Việt Nam, but around the world. It’s where humans have long harmonised with nature, mastering earth, water and fire in close connection with local identity. Pottery spans millennia, but we intentionally refrain from fixing it to any specific historical period in the show.”

Artists perform during a media preview of the ‘GOm Show’ in Hà Nội on June 10. VNS Photo Thúy Hằng

A representative from project sponsor Sky Sounds Production, Đỗ Tuấn Anh, said that indigenous music is not merely artistic expression but a way of honouring nature, people and the spiritual life of the land.

“Every sound and material preserved carries deep empathy for the communities that shaped them,” he said.

“We, along with Đàn Đó, share a vision to elevate indigenous Vietnamese music on the global stage – letting its rustic, soulful melodies resound as a singular and authentic voice of Việt Nam in the world.”

After the two premiere nights, the show is expected to run regularly on weekends in Hà Nội, with plans to expand performances next year – particularly targeting international visitors. 

Tickets for the GOm Show can be reserved by calling the hotline at +84 988 778 883 or by emailing info@skysoundsproduction.vn. VNS