Hora Shemesh group will perform Israeli folk music in Hà Nội. Photo courtesy of the Israeli embassy

HÀ NỘI – The Israel and Việt Nam Folk Harmony concert will take place in Hà Nội on Sunday to boost the cultural exchange and friendship between the two countries.

On that night, the Israeli folk dance troupe Hora Shemesh brings to Hanoians its energetic dancing acts. Diverse traditional and modern themes are displayed by more than 20 artists, demonstrating an amusing view into Israeli life and culture. At the event, the Vietnamese bamboo ensemble Sức Sống Mới (New Vitality), led by conductor Đồng Quang Vinh, will also stage gong music from the Central Highlands, Trịnh Công Sơn’s songs, and classical music with folk instruments.

Hora Shemesh was formed 25 years ago by dancers from southern Israel, at the gateway to the desert. Their acts of large numbers of performers, supported by vibrant costumes, often generate a cheerful and dynamic atmosphere in the theatre. The group of 25 dancers aged 30 to 75 has performed in numerous countries, including China, South Korea, the Philippines, Romania, Turkey, Georgia, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Macedonia, and many more. In Israel, the group usually participates in the Carmiel Festival, Jerusalem Festival and Nahalal Festival.

Sức Sống Mới is known in Việt Nam for combining symphony and traditional instruments. Six members of the band, all young artists from the National Music Academy, play T’rưng (bamboo xylophone), traditional instruments of Central Highlands music like Ching’ram and Ding Pa, and bamboo flute. Their instruments are modified to suit classical music.

This is the first all-bamboo band in Việt Nam who plays classical and modern music. The band has been praised at public cultural events by international audiences. Its frontman, conductor Vinh, has been highly successful at bringing orchestral music closer to the public via traditional instruments.

The programme is part of the annual exchange and introduction of Israel culture and arts framework in Việt Nam, according to Israeli Ambassador Nadav Eshcar.

"We bring all the way from Israel a typical folk-dance troupe, which aims to introduce to our Vietnamese friends the beauty and simplicity of Israeli popular culture,” he said.

“Performing side by side with Vietnamese folk artists, they will demonstrate a joint harmonious spectacle for us to enjoy."

The Israeli Embassy and the Việt Nam Performing Arts Centre and Cultural Events of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, host the event to connect the two countries’ people and build up friendship through art.

Hora Shemesh will put on a second performance in the northern province of Lào Cai on August 29. Free tickets for the concert in Hà Nội can be collected at the Hanoi Tower, 49 Hai Bà Trưng Street. VNS