When the Marching Song resounds in the heart of New York

Vietnamese-American director Tony Bui shares about his journey of staging the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day at the MET Museum - where the Marching Song resounded as if it were in Ba Dinh Square.

Vietnam National Day celebration at MET on September 22 - Photo: NVCC

In the last week of September, during President Luong Cuong's working visit to the US, the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day was solemnly celebrated at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) - the largest art museum in the Western Hemisphere.

Hundreds of people joined in singing the heroic song, even though standing in the heart of New York, everyone felt like they were in Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi . To have this meaningful program was the effort of many people, including Vietnamese director Tony Bui.

The Weight of the Moment

* Sir, I understand that you are the general director of the celebration. What brought you to this program and how did you feel when you were contacted?

- I had the opportunity to take on the role of artistic director for the Unity Through Art program - a special cultural event held at Asia Society in New York last September with the presence of General Secretary To Lam and his wife.

The program brings together artists and musicians from Vietnam and the US to perform, conveying the message that art can connect cultures and people from different starting points.

After the success of that event, I was invited by Ambassador Do Hung Viet to take on the role of general director and producer for the Vietnam National Day celebration held at MET on September 22.

What attracted me was the opportunity to celebrate Vietnam’s rich history and share it with international friends in a profound and memorable way. I wanted to create a program that would both pay tribute to the past and celebrate the beauty and spirit of Vietnam on the world stage.

* Do you feel any pressure being "chosen" to be the general director for this special event?

- Yes, I certainly feel the pressure. The 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day is not only an important historical milestone but also an emotional occasion. I am aware of the weight of the moment.

However, more than pressure, what I feel most clearly is the responsibility to carry out the project sincerely, respectfully and carefully.

The goal is not only to create a spectacular show but also to give the audience the feeling as if they were standing in the middle of Ba Dinh Square 80 years ago, to reflect on the journey that Vietnam has gone through and feel the lasting beauty of the country and people of Vietnam.

* Geographical distance and time zone differences are certainly the main difficulties. Are there any other difficulties for you?

- The preparation for the ceremony was both exciting and challenging, due to the scale and significance of the event. We had to coordinate across time zones, languages ​​and different creative teams, but all had the same goal of creating a special program to honor this important occasion.

A major challenge was to recreate the moment President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square 80 years ago, based on the very limited number of remaining photographs and documentary footage.

Much of the material was degraded, so we applied a variety of techniques to restore and enhance the image quality, add subtle audio elements, and smooth the editing.

We then used projection mapping technology to project these images onto the surrounding walls from multiple angles, allowing the audience to relive the atmosphere of Ba Dinh Square that day.

It was an emotional experience for all present and was the first time this form of expression had been performed, yet it retained all its authenticity and originality.

A difficult but memorable part of the preparation process was welcoming the National Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra led by violinist Bui Cong Duy and conductor Tran Nhat Minh, along with a special performance by pianist Dang Thai Son.

This was the first time the National Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra had performed in New York, bringing a special artistic and sophisticated touch to the ceremony. For me, it was this collaboration between Vietnam and the US, between artists and diplomats, between history and modernity that made this experience so special and meaningful.

Director Tony Bui (center) with artist Bui Cong Duy and conductor Tran Nhat Minh before the celebration - Photo: NVCC

Pride spreads

* What left the deepest impression on you?

- What stayed with me after the ceremony was not the grandeur of the program but the emotions that spread throughout the auditorium that day. Seeing the audience, both Vietnamese and international friends, standing and sitting together in the historical space of the MET, immersing themselves in memories, images and music was truly an emotional moment.

In my opinion, the key to the success of the ceremony was the spirit of cooperation and sharing between Vietnam and the US. The MET provided an iconic space, but perhaps what made the ceremony come alive was the dedication of all the participants, from the organizers, technical crew to the artists and musicians.

Everyone works with sincerity and pride, because we understand that this is not just a performance but a historical connection, an expression of respect and solidarity.

* What are your next projects and is there anything you want to say to Tuoi Tre readers?

- I am currently developing a number of film projects that continue to explore Vietnam’s rich and multi-layered history. As these projects are still in development, I cannot share much at this time. However, what I am interested in is telling these stories to a global audience.

The message I want to send to Tuoi Tre readers is simple: our stories matter. They remind us of our roots and help the world understand who we are. Through the art of storytelling, we not only preserve our memories, but also help shape how the world remembers us.

Director Tony Bui was born in 1973 in Saigon. He and his family moved to the US in the last weeks of April 1975 when he was less than 2 years old.

In addition to making films, Tony Bui is also a lecturer for the filmmaking course at the Graduate School of Arts (Columbia University, USA).

The first time of Vietnamese orchestra in New York

The 80th anniversary of Vietnam National Day held in New York was a serious and meticulous investment in every detail. For example, the hot Parker House roll that appeared at the event was a specialty of the Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston - where the young man Nguyen Tat Thanh worked as a baker more than 100 years ago.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the appearance of the Vietnam National Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra, led by violinist Bui Cong Duy and conductor Tran Nhat Minh. This was the first time the orchestra had performed in New York.

The program also featured a performance by pianist Dang Thai Son. The combination of these talented artists brought a special artistic depth to the ceremony, affirming the position of Vietnamese music on the international stage.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/khi-tien-quan-ca-vang-giua-long-new-york-20251016100012123.htm