HÀ NỘI — A concert featuring Laotian artists and celebrating the country, its people and the relationship between Việt Nam and Laos will be held at the Hà Nội Opera House tonight.

The artists will perform a repertoire of traditional dances, music and songs, including a song titled Hà Nội-Vientiane by a Laotian composer. The programme will begin at 8pm.

Hà Nội-Vientiane, to be sung by a group of women artists, honours the close, special relationship between the two countries and its people, which was established a long time ago and has been nurtured ever since. The song praises a friendship that is “deeper than the water of the Mekong River”.

The singers will also perform two other songs, which praise the natural beauty of Laos and the important role its youth play in the country’s development and progress.

The other highlight of the event is a khaen (Lao panpipe) performance by women artists. The Lao panpipe is a traditional instrument that is played at almost all ethnic group festivals in Laos.

After their Hà Nội show, the artists will perform at Lam Sơn Theatre, in the central province of Thanh Hóa, on July 19, and at the Municipal Theatre in the northern city of Hải Phòng on July 21. All shows are free for the audience.

The events are being held to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Việt Nam-Laos diplomatic ties, and the 40th anniversary of the signing of Việt Nam-Laos Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation. — VNS