Hanoi revitalizes heritage with launch of major weekend music initiative

The newly launched music program hopes to delight the capital’s audience and tourists every weekend.

The initiative, which commenced on the afternoon of November 30th at the historic Nha Bat Giac or Octagonal House in Ly Thai To Flower Garden, signifies a strategic effort by the city to bolster its identity as a UNESCO Creative City.

Scheduled to take place every weekend on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, the program is designed to deliver high-quality artistic performances directly to the public, fostering a cultural rendezvous point for both residents and international visitors.

Bach Lien Huong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, underscored the project’s cultural importance. “This series of music performances is expected to become a familiar cultural rendezvous, an intersection where music resonates within the storied atmosphere of Hoan Kiem Lake,” she stated, emphasizing the long-standing role of the arts in the spiritual life and community connection of Hanoi.

Jazz artist Quyen Thien Dac performs at the inauguration ceremony of “Hanoi Weekend Music” project.

The choice of the Octagonal House, reflects the city’s commitment to reviving historical venues. Located behind the Ly Thai To Monument on the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake, it is a landmark of architectural heritage. The project meets contemporary cultural and entertainment demands while honoring the past. This thoughtful placement creates a refined yet intimate cultural meeting point. It enriches the surrounding historical landscape.

The inaugural performance featured the pioneering figure of Vietnamese jazz, Meritorious Artist Quyen Van Minh, along with the Binh Minh Jazz Band. Their expressive melodies captivated the audience, blending seamlessly with the romantic late autumn atmosphere of the lakeside. The inclusion of both seasoned masters and young artists created an intergenerational dialogue, reflecting Hanoi’s unique fusion of tradition and modernity.

Artist Quyen Van Minh expressed his optimism that bringing jazz, a genre once confined to intimate clubs, into this breezy, open-air setting would allow it to reach wider audiences. He voiced his hope that these “magical musical moments” would nurture the cultural soul of Hanoians and leave a lasting impression on all visitors. The “Hanoi Weekend Music” project is set to elevate artistic exploration as a defining symbol of the capital’s creative identity.