A choir from Việt Nam performs at the opening ceremony of the 6th Việt Nam International Choir Competition – the only event of its kind in Việt Nam – at Hội An Theatre on Wednesday night. — VNS Photo Công Thành

The festival’s jurists Đặng Châu Anh, Joshibiah Butch de Juan (the Philippines) and Johan Rooze (Republic of Korea/Netherlands) and a kids’ choir sang Hòa Nhịp Con Tim (Heart to Heart Pace) by Vietnamese composer Huy Tuấn in the event’s curtain-raiser.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, German Professor Dr. Ralf Eisenbeiß (Germany) said: “I’m very proud that this is already the 6th international choir competition in Việt Nam since we started in 2011. And we are really happy that we can present in this festival 21 groups not only from the Asia but also from Europe and the US.

“Our way here in Việt Nam and also in other Asian countries is a very successful one. ‘Singing together brings nations together’ is our motto and we are really very proud that INTKERULUTR [An organiser of choir competitions and festivals] has been the first organisation doing such fantastic events in this amazing country.

“This is an amazing city (Hội An) and one of the most beautiful places in Asia to sing and to meet. You will have this wonderful experience during the next days, especially at night when the city is lit by thousands of lamps and lights.”

University of Southern Maine chamber singers from Gorham, the US also performed at the opener with Carol of the Stranger and Rockin’ Jerusalem ahead of the three-day competition from May 15-18.

Choirs from Estonia, Indonesia, Poland, Singapore and Hà Nội, as well as a dance team from Hội An, also performed on the opening night.

Teams will compete in men’s, women’s and mixed categories for chamber music, hymns and folk songs as well as children's and teenage competitions at Hội An Beach Resort.

The biennial competition, which has attracted the participation of more than 1,000 artists from 22 countries and territories, is a rendezvous for international choir teams and friends coming to the UNESCO-recognised world heritage site.

The winners will be announced at the award ceremony at Hội An Theatre at 4pm on Saturday. — VNS