Peace and love: A portrait of Trịnh Công Sơn by photographer Dương Minh Long.

HCM CITY— Dozens of singers and musicians will perform the works of late songwriter Trịnh Công Sơn in a series of concerts 15 years after his death. 

Pop stars Hồng Nhung, Quang Dũng and Đức Tuấn will perform in a concert before 1,000 people at the Trưng Vương Theatre in Đà Nẵng City on March 27.

Famous đàn tranh (16-chord zither) artist Hải Phượng will also be on hand.

The event’s theme is Ô Chân Mẹ Về (Oh Mother’s Coming), featuring the artist’s songs in praise of love and peace.   

In Hà Nội, a series of three shows called Như Cánh Vạc Bay (As the Bird’s Flying Wings) will feature Sơn’s younger sister, singer Trịnh Vĩnh Trinh, who will appear with veterans Thanh Lam and Tùng Dương. 

The shows will open at 8pm on April 1, 2 and 3 at the city’s Opera House.

The outdoor concert, Rừng Xanh Xanh Mãi (Forest is Green Forever), will open in HCM City’s District 7 on April 1 to raise funds for helping poor children in remote areas. 

The night was organised by Sơn’s fan club in the city.

The artist’s popular works, including Ru Tình (Lullaby to Love), Một Cõi Đi Về (A Place to Come) and Nối Vòng Tay Lớn  (Joining Hands for Solidarity), will all be performed.

Born in Huế in 1939, Sôn became popular in 1957 with his first song, Ướt Mi (Crying Eyes).

He went on to become southern Việt Nam’s most famous songwriter and author of several anti-war collections including Ca Khúc Da Vàng (Yellow-skinned People’s Songs) and Ta Phải Thấy Mặt Trời  (We Must See the Sunlight).

On April 30, 1975, the liberation day of South Việt Nam, Sơn sang his solidarity song, Nối Vòng Tay Lớn, on Radio Sài Gòn

His romantic albums of love songs are still loved by millions of Vietnamese and foreign fans, particularly Japanese. 

The songwriter died in HCM City in 2001 after a prolonged illness.-- VNS