Singer Tùng Dương performs with the dancing crew.

HÀ NỘI — The stunning live concert honouring composer Phó Đức Phương on Friday night left the audience and participating artists emotional.  

From his hospital bed where he is being treated for cancer, Phương said music and people’s love encouraged him to beat the disease.

“Many people called and texted me to congratulate me on the show’s success,” he said. “It’s thanks to the efforts of artists and the producing crew. I didn't do anything.”

Viewers and artists alike were touched when they heard the voice of the composer and felt his optimism: "It’s Phó Đức Phương here. I will return for sure. I will get better soon. Wait for me, my dear friends."

Diva Thanh Lam performs at the show.

The show Khúc Hát Phiêu Ly (Song of Drifting) was held at the Hà Nội Opera House by his family and friends to honour his career and encourage the composer.

Phương, 76, is one of the leading composers of Vietnamese music in the last 50 years.

A day before the show, diva Mỹ Linh went to the hospital to see him. Lying on his bed, he asked Linh to perform the famous song Một Thoáng Tây Hồ (A Glimpse of West Lake).

Apart from Linh, the concert starred diva Thanh Lam, Tùng Dương, Oplus and M4U bands, singer Minh Thu and chèo (traditional operetta) singer Thu Huyền. Musicians Nguyễn Vĩnh Tiến and Nguyễn Cường, two close friends of Phương, narrated the concert with stories about the veteran composer.

Members of his family including screenwriter Phó Khánh Chi (daughter), pianists Phó Vũ Thư (daughter) and Phó An My (niece) and composer Phó Đức Hoàng (son) also performed at the concert. — VNS