The 2023 Asian Consonant folk music concert program took place at the Vietnam National Academy of Music, Hanoi, organized by the Vietnam National Academy of Music and C ASEAN - a social organization aiming to strengthen connectivity in the ASEAN region.

With the theme of ‘Cross-border friendship,' the event featured musical works imbued by the traditional culture of ASEAN member states, including two works by Vietnamese composers.

Before Vietnam, C ASEAN Consonant has staged shows in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, China, and Indonesia.

C ASEAN Consonant chose the capital city of Hanoi as a destination this year affirming that Hanoi is a gateway to the world.

At the program, the audience enjoyed 12 musical pieces with unique and diverse traditional melodies performed by young talents representing ASEAN countries. The program opened with a choir singing the song The ASEAN Way - the official song of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The audience then enjoyed the Brunei song "Hola Hela," the Cambodian song "Sarika Keo," the Indonesian song "Anoman Obong," the Lao "Seang Khaen Lao," the Malaysian song "Wau Bulan," Myanmar's "Man Taung Yeik Kho," the Philippine piece named "Ti Ayat Ti Maysa Nga Ubing," Singaporean "Desh," and Thai piece "Chang."

Participating in the program, the Vietnamese delegation performed two pieces titled "Hometown Bridge" and "Rice Drum" arranged by artist Le Thuy Linh. These are two songs that portray the image of Vietnam, highlighting the beauty of the sound from the monochord, one of Vietnam's unique national musical instruments with only one string.

The music performance attracted 10 artists from 10 member countries in Southeast Asia bringing exceptional music experiences to audiences.

Speaking at the program, Associate Professor, Dr. Le Anh Tuan, director of the Vietnam National Academy of Music stressed that the program is not only a simple art performance but also conveys a message of friendship and solidarity between Countries. The program also shows appreciation for traditional music; and promotes, introduces, and preserves traditional music so that future generations will continue to have the opportunity to enjoy it.

Dr. Agapol Na Songkhla - a representative of C ASEAN said, that C ASEAN Consonant is the only ASEAN traditional musical instrument ensemble consisting of 10 talented traditional instrumentalists from 10 different ASEAN countries with different cultures, religions, and languages that have become members of a family, together creating harmony and peaceful cooperation. This is a place for the young generation to learn, listen, respect, and support each other to create unity in music.

C ASEAN Consonant also connects experienced music consultants with the energetic and creative young generation. The concert will make an important contribution to promoting cooperation between ASEAN member countries, he said.

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