HÀ NỘI — A concert featuring the hits of composer Đoàn Chuẩn (1924 – 2001) will take place on Sunday in Hà Nội with the participation of Vietnamese guitarist Đoàn Đính and singers Giang Trang, Hoàng Lân, Trí Trung and Hoa Sen.

The musical event was organised by writer Trương Quý and director Nguyễn Hoàng Điệp to honour the talented musician who wrote many songs on Hà Nội and love.

It marks the launch of the book Một Thời Hà Nội Hát (Music of Old Days in Hà Nội) written by Quý.

The book, published by Trẻ (Youth) Publishing House, records entertainment and social changes in Hà Nội before and after 1954, when North Việt Nam was founded.

Chuẩn often performed with his friend Từ Linh (1928-1992), a talented instrumentalist and photographer. After his death in 1992, Chuẩn continued to perform and compose songs under the name Đoàn Chuẩn – Từ Linh.

Quý selected the composer as the key figure for his book, a man with a great love for Hà Nội and a big name in the musical field. Though he created only 20 songs, all of them are loved and well-known.

“Chuẩn is a famous musician, a remarkable name among musicians of that era, he even owned a theatre for music, but he seemed to be a quiet man,” said Quý.

“He didn’t say much about his songs. He seemed not good at promoting the songs commercially. He worked like an amateur. But he left a great influence on the audience and the musical industry that time.”

The concert will take place at Ơ Kìa Hà Nội space, 39/39/639 Hoàng Hoa Thám Street, Hà Nội. Previously, a similar concert is held tonight (Friday) at Đại Đồng Theatre, 46 Hàng Cót Street, the theatre created by Chuẩn. — VNS