A performance of the "The Epic of Việt Nam – Russia Friendship" programme in Moscow. — VNA/VNS Photo

MOSCOW — As part of cultural activities marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and Russia, the Lê Ngọc Theatre staged the second show at the Moscow Folk Art Centre in Moscow on July 18, following its successful opening night on the previous day.

The programme, titled "The Epic of Việt Nam – Russia Friendship", was introduced by Việt Nam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in coordination with Russia’s Ministry of Culture, with support from the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia and the Russian State Concert Company “Rosconcert”.

The event featured more than 10 artistic pieces blending music, poetry in both Vietnamese and Russian, áo dài (Việt Nam's traditional long dress) show, and various dance performances. Highlights included traditional Vietnamese art forms such as xẩm (blind wanderers’ music), chèo (traditional opera), and hầu đồng (trance ritual).

Renowned Vietnamese artists taking part included People’s Artists Lê Ngọc and Trịnh Thúy Mùi, Meritorious Artists Nguyễn Thị Hải Yến and Hoàng Tùng, alongside other performers from the Lê Ngọc Theatre.

The event attracted a large and enthusiastic audience, including members of the Vietnamese community in Russia and local Russian friends.

Artist Anh Đào, a performer in the show, expressed appreciation for the warm reception from the Russian audience and hoped for more cultural tours and meaningful performances to deepen bilateral ties.

Sputnik journalist Ekaterina Makarova welcomed the cultural exchange, highlighting the emotional impact of Vietnamese artists singing Russian songs. Makarova noted that following Party General Secretary Tô Lâm’s recent visit to Russia, cultural activities between the two countries are expected to expand further.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Đặng Minh Khôi described the programme as a significant cultural diplomacy event, helping to promote Việt Nam’s image, traditions, and culture to Russian and international friends.

He noted that more cultural exchanges are planned, including the first Vietnamese Culture Festival to be held at Manezhnaya Square in downtown Moscow, co-organised by the Moscow government and the Vietnamese Embassy. — VNA/VNS