Associate Professor Nguyễn Huy Phương, director of the Việt Nam Academy of Music and a member of the Piano Artistic Council, gives an address at the event. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The 2026 Yoshine Music Festival has attracted nearly 300 contestants from South Korea, China, India and other countries, along with more than 2,000 domestic participants.

The northern regional final of the 2026 Yoshine Music Festival takes place from July 15 to 22 at the Việt Nam National Academy of Music (VNAM) in Hà Nội. This is the final regional round before the winning contestants advance to the national final, which will be held in August.

This year, the northern region brings together 1,243 contestants competing in two categories: piano and vocal performance. Previously, the central regional final featured 391 contestants, while the southern regional final attracted 560 contestants.

A notable highlight of this season is the participation of nearly 300 international contestants from China, South Korea, India, the Philippines and other countries, who are living and studying in Việt Nam.

The presence of foreign contestants not only creates an atmosphere of cultural exchange, but also reflects the competition's growing appeal across the country.

According to the organising committee, the preliminary round alone attracted 1,680 registrations in the northern region. After the selection process, 1,243 outstanding contestants earned the right to compete in the regional final.

"Every contestant who reached the final deserves recognition for overcoming personal challenges through passion and perseverance," said Associate Professor Nguyễn Huy Phương, VNAM director and a member of the Piano Artistic Council.

"The competition will continue to discover and nurture young talents, contributing to enhancing the international standing of Vietnamese music."

Yoshine Music Festival also offers numerous scholarships to top contestants. 

Gold Prize winners in the 15-17 and 18-45 age groups may be considered for scholarships worth US$23,000 per year for up to seven years, in accordance with the programme's regulations. Silver Prize winners may be eligible for scholarships worth US$16,000 per year for the same duration.

The competition will award one full scholarship to attend the IMC International Music Camp in the United States to the most outstanding contestant. The final is scheduled to take place from August 20 to 22 at the VNAM.

The gala and awards ceremony will be held on August 23. — VNS