HCM CITY — Professional and amateur singers of vọng cổ (nostalgic tunes), a traditional genre of southern music, have been invited to take part in an online contest. 

The contest for locals as well as foreigners began last month and has attracted more than 700 contestants. Many of them are young and live in Canada, Australia, Singapore and the US. 

“The contest will give young performers a chance to develop their career, and meet music producers and agencies,” said young singer Nguyễn Văn Hợp of HCM City Television, a member of the contest’s organising board.  

Nine contestants will be chosen to compete for the top three prizes.

The show will hold three performances that will be broadcast on the HTV9 channel.

Each participant must submit a video of three minutes or less featuring their performance. The clip can be shot on a phone.

“I decided to join the contest because I wanted to share my love of vọng cổ with others,” said Mộng Thảo Trần, 20, a high school student from Đồng Nai Province.  

For her submission, Trần sang a song by veteran composer Bắc Sơn that highlights love, country and soldiers.  

“Vọng cổ songs feature the hopes and dreams of southern people. The songs are used in cải lương (reformed opera) plays, and are popular among farmers, including my family, who love singing vọng cổ after a hard day of working in the fields,” said Trần, adding that her clip had attracted more than 2,500 views.

Participants should send their entries to Vongcoonline.htv.com.vn.

The winners will be announced next month. — VNS