Performance industry in Vietnam: 'Big bang' in Ho Chi Minh City

Amidst the booming and rapidly evolving year-end concert market, Ho Chi Minh City has emerged as a leading center for high-quality performances nationwide.

The "Brother Says Hi" concert hasn't taken place in Hanoi yet, but fans have already started hunting for tickets. The image shows the second night of the concert in Ho Chi Minh City.

Now in Vietnam, especially in Ho Chi Minh City, we can also enjoy world-class concerts without having to go abroad. On the evening of October 19th alone, Ho Chi Minh City hosted three concerts simultaneously, with a record total audience (over 45,000 people).

Ho Chi Minh City has enormous potential, but it needs serious investment and a long-term strategy to be able to compete fairly in the region, not just on a short-term basis.

Hong Quang Minh

There's a top-notch concert in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to media expert Hong Quang Minh , "Brother Says Hi" or "Brother Overcomes a Thousand Thorns" has delivered an experience that approaches international concert standards, from the quality of staging to the connection between artists and fans.

"Ho Chi Minh City has emerged with enormous potential to develop into a leading performing arts center in Southeast Asia," Mr. Minh said.

The city is home to many of the country's leading entertainment companies and production units.

Here, artists from various genres, whether mainstream or indie/underground, can find their audience, not just mainstream artists like a few years ago, thereby expanding the creative space and promoting market development.

Mr. Minh believes that the vibrancy and flexibility of the market make Ho Chi Minh City an ideal environment for artists to experiment and develop.

Born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City, Phương Mỹ Chi embarked on her musical career after participating in The Voice Kids in 2013. Despite being only 21 years old this year, she has already been active in the industry for 11 years. She recently made her mark with the School Tour - Vũ điệu cò bay 2024 concert in Ho Chi Minh City.

In a harsh and highly competitive entertainment market like Ho Chi Minh City, a concert by a young artist like myself still attracted over 8,000 attendees. That is something incredibly sacred and wonderful.

Phuong My Chi

According to Phuong My Chi, Ho Chi Minh City is a potential market where artists can freely create and reach greater heights. The large, young audience is always loving, supportive, and enthusiastic in cheering on artists.

She believes that in recent years, the concert and live show market in Vietnam has developed significantly, especially recently. Production companies and artists have invested meticulously and carefully in both the audio and visual aspects, rivaling international concerts.

"This is a positive sign that will change the world's perception of Vietnamese music. It also motivates artists to dedicate themselves and create higher-quality products," the singer said.

Phuong My Chi marks her 21st birthday with the School Tour - Crane Dance 2024 concert.

Towards a dynamic performing arts center

However, to become a destination for high-quality and world-class concerts, according to Mr. Hong Quang Minh, Ho Chi Minh City needs to invest in infrastructure, from improving performance venues to international standards to transportation systems and accompanying services.

"The city also needs to build an image of a dynamic performing arts center, not just a venue for events, but also a holistic cultural experience," Mr. Minh said, adding that "international media campaigns should emphasize the city as a world-class cultural and entertainment destination."

This can be achieved through collaborations with international artists, while also developing high-quality local events to make an impression on international audiences.

Vu also had a spectacular concert with 8,000 attendees in Ho Chi Minh City.

Mr. Hong Quang Minh further suggested that for this market to develop sustainably, it still needs a solid foundation in terms of technological infrastructure, legal framework, and culture.

There is a need for greater investment in performance technology, from sound and lighting systems to stage design techniques.

"Furthermore, building and protecting the rights of artists through clear legal regulations on copyright and performance rights is also very important," he observed.

Another factor to consider is music and performance education and training to nurture young talent and give them the opportunity to shine on professional stages. Currently, many successful artists in Vietnam still lack a solid foundation in their training.

"Brother" Hong Son in the concert "Brother Overcomes a Thousand Obstacles" held in Ho Chi Minh City on October 19th.

In implementing the Strategy for the Development of Vietnam's Cultural Industries until 2030, Ho Chi Minh City has identified the film industry and the music industry as two of eight potential and advantageous sectors for the development of the cultural industry.

Ho Chi Minh City serves as both a space and a market attracting artistic performances and international cultural exchanges. In recent years, the city has focused on developing musical models with the hope of becoming new symbols of Vietnamese aspirations.

The first semi-final night of the Ho Do Inspiration 2024 selection contest recently took place in Ho Chi Minh City, as part of the Ho Do Music Festival.

One of the landmark events for the music scene in particular and for the city's branding in general was the first-ever Ho Do International Music Festival held in 2019.

The success of the event shows that socializing music festivals is the right direction for the city in organizing an international arts festival.

Furthermore, in order to invite and meet the demands of world-renowned artists, the organizers need to professionally manage all aspects of an international art festival.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy (Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City)

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/cong-nghiep-bieu-dien-o-viet-nam-cu-no-lon-tai-tp-hcm-20241026085901749.htm