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Residents of Xuan Hoa ward in Phuc Yen, a city in Vinh Phuc province, almost had a chance to share in the joy as the capital city celebrates its expansion. The legacy of a time several decades ago when Xuan Hoa was part of Hanoi can still be seen in the name of Hanoi Education University II, which is located here. Later generations might ask why a Hanoi college is situated in Vinh Phuc province. The answer is simple: the ward where the institution is located used to be a part of the capital city. Ten years after the geographical boundary expansion came into effect, Hanoi has recorded many social and economic achievements. To date, many still cast doubt over the decision but clearly there are many positives. Had Ha Tay province not been merged into Hanoi, would progress on the Thang Long Boulevard and National Highway have been expedited so that they became main arteries connecting the city centre to its western areas as they are today? The communities of ethnic minority people in Ba Vi … [Read more...] about What does the future hold for Hanoi in the next ten years?

HANOI PERFORMANCE Ionah Show Star Galaxy 87 Lang Ha Street, Ba Dinh district 7:45 pm, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Come to the 75-minute Ionah Show to enjoy the perfect combination of circus, dance, music and theatrical arts, offering a new look into Vietnamese art and culture. The name “Ionah” could sound like a foreign name from a distant land, but it is in fact truly familiar. “Ionah” is “Hanoi” written in reverse, a gift originated from a love for Hanoi. Ticket prices: VND750,000 – VND 950,000 Art Program “Bamboo Talk” 7 pm, May 24 and 25 Phu Sa Lab 21/52 To Ngoc Van street, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District Come to enjoy a whole evening of creative performances accompanied by music played on instruments all made of BAMBOO – the inspiration for every high-end show in Vietnam. Ticket: VND700,000 (dinner and 1 drink included) ‘Lang Toi’ (My Village) by Lune Production 6 pm, May 25 and 27 Vietnam Tuong … [Read more...] about May 21-27: Piano-Flute Duet Concert: French Impressionism in HCMC

HANOI PERFORMANCE Children’s Music Concert 9 -11 am, June 23 Clickspace Villa 15, lane 76 To Ngoc Van Street, Tay Ho district You are invited to a fun-filled musical morning for children of all ages, featuring original songs from Michelle Stewart’s soon-to-be released debut album of children’s music Little Folk Songs. From playful ditties to pensive ballads, these songs talk about important world issues, including cultural diversity, the environment, and socio-emotional learning for children. Entrance fee: VND80,000 per child Flamenco & Classical Guitar Concert with Michel Grizard & Helena Cueto 8 pm, June 23 Institut Français de Hanoi – L’Espace 24 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem district The concert will delight the audience with a combination of flamenco and classical guitar. In this spirit, Michel Grizard, virtuoso guitarist and winner of many international prizes will grace the stage of L’Espace with his daughter, Helena Cueto, a … [Read more...] about June 18-24: A Night of Antonin Dvorak in HCMC

But I’m not sure if I should be happy or sad because the title Vietnam is hunting for is that of an intangible heritage in need of urgent safeguarding. Some are joking that since Vietnam is unable to conserve the art, it must now seek international help. But whether or not Dong Ho prints and paintings can be saved like Phu Tho province’s xoan singing remains to be seen. Unlike physical heritage sites such as temples and shrines, items of intangible heritage are more inextricably linked to daily life. They exist through the activity of a certain community, either orally or through the passing of craftsmanship or some kind of knowledge. The community is the custodian of heritage. Quan ho, for instance, exists through the activities of the singers and local residents in the Bac Ninh and Bac Giang areas, while the gong culture is maintained by the artists and communities of Tay Nguyen ethnic groups. The bearers of heritage play a crucial role in its existence. But for many … [Read more...] about UNESCO title is not enough to save Dong Ho woodblock printing. Make it sell!

HANOI PERFORMANCE Experimental Concert “Playground” 8 pm, June 15 Manzi Art Space 14 Phan Huy Ich Street, Ba Dinh district The ‘Playground’ concert questions how a musical collaboration can be a creative process with a lot of fun and surprise. Inspired by childhood imagination, childlike wonder and childhood memories, with the use of found objects, including toys and DIY instruments, the concert presents a challenge for the artists to construct their sonic language from simple or unexpected sound sources. Surcharge: VND 150,000/person ‘Lang Toi’ (My Village) by Lune Production 6 pm, June 12, 13, 15 and 16 Vietnam Tuong Theatre 51A Duong Thanh Street, Hoan Kiem district Lang Toi (My Village) is a delicate merge of tradition and innovation, where the poetic beauty of Northern Vietnam’s village life is presented through a new cirque approach. Farming, the building activities, traditional games, and lifestyle of the Northern villagers are … [Read more...] about June 11-17: Ionah – A must see show in Hanoi