Dương Đức Hải performs confidently on the international stage in Shanghai. — Photos courtesy of TSP International Arts Festival

SHANGHAI — Vietnamese singer Dương Đức Hải is singing his way to stardom after striking gold at the 2025 TSP International Arts Festival in Shanghai.

The talented artist clinched the Gold Prize in Vocal Performance, outperforming hundreds of international contenders with his standout voice and meticulous preparation and was the only Vietnamese contestant to take home the top honour in the category.

Hải’s achievements did not end with the award. He was also invited by the organisers to perform at a special gala alongside the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra at the renowned Shanghai Oriental Art Centre, a venue that seats nearly 3,000. Only a select number of the festival’s most outstanding artists were granted this opportunity.

During the gala, Hải delivered a stirring performance of Bến Thượng Hải (The Bund) in Mandarin, demonstrating refined vocal technique and heartfelt emotion, despite having only three days of rehearsal with the orchestra. His rendition earned extended applause and high praise from leading Chinese professors and conductors.

Earlier in June 2025, Hải also impressed at the Crescendo International Music Festival & Competition in Hà Nội, securing two first prizes in both the professional and non-professional categories. The competition attracted more than 800 young music talents from Việt Nam and countries including Austria, France, South Korea, Malaysia and Brunei.

The TSP International Arts Festival – Shanghai brings together thousands of talented artists from various countries and territories.

The TSP International Arts Festival – Shanghai, held at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and Opera House, brought together thousands of talented artists from various countries and territories, competing in disciplines such as piano, traditional instruments and vocal performance. The Vietnamese delegation contributed a distinctive cultural flavour and a strong spirit of global integration.

Organised by the Centre for Domestic and International Cultural Exchange under China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the festival featured hundreds of distinguished judges from leading conservatories, academies and art institutions worldwide. — VNS