A collection of 12 zodiac animal paintings by prominent artist Nguyen Tu Nghiem is currently being exhibited at the Vietnam Classical Music Festival 2024 (VCMF) in the city of Da Lat, located in the Central Highlands. The exhibition, titled “Dialogue on Time,” is held at the Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa and is open to the public for free. Visitors not only have the opportunity to enjoy the academic music performances but also to appreciate the beauty of these 12 paintings.
The VCMF 2024 is a unique event that combines classical music performances with the visual arts. The festival aims to create a rich and immersive experience for attendees by bringing together the world of music and the world of painting. The exhibition is just one of the many components of this multi-dimensional art space.
| A guache painting of Dragon by Nguyen Tu Nghiem. |
The owner of the collection, pianist Tran Le Bao Quyen, and violinist Tran Le Quang Tien, who recently returned from Germany, will also be performing classical works at the festival. Their performances promise to be a unique and unforgettable experience for the audience.
The exhibition, curated by Nguyen Nhu Huy, provides a space for intercultural and inter-artistic dialogue on philosophical, visual culture, and human themes. It aims to transcend the realm of aesthetics and explore deeper meanings within the artwork.
“Nguyen Tu Nghiem is a very special figure in the Vietnamese art scene. He goes beyond being a master painter and delves into the realms of visual culture, reflecting on the theme of East-West identity. This theme holds great importance in contemporary art, often referred to as the post-colonial theme,” commented curator Nguyen Nhu Huy.
The VCMF 2024 is not only an artistic event but also a celebration of Da Lat’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City in the field of music. With over 100 local and international artists participating in 17 performances, three workshops, and classes, the festival offers a diverse range of musical experiences.
| Pianist Tran Le Bao Quyen will perform at the music festival. Photo courtesy of the artist |
Some of the notable artists and groups performing at the festival include German pianist and composer Tim Allhoff, Taiwanese pianist Liao Hsin-Chiao, Song Hong Ensemble, Schubert in a Mug, the Vietnam Youth Symphony Orchestra (VYO), and others. In addition to showcasing established artists, the festival also provides a platform for emerging talents such as The 6th Floor Woodwind Quintet, the Beethoven Piano Quartet, and the Milhaud Trio.
The festival does not only focus on performances but also places importance on music education. Projects like “Slide on Strings,” led by artists Pham Vu Thien Bao and Le Minh Hien, as well as the Vietnam Youth Symphony Orchestra conducted by Phan Do Phuc, aim to promote music education and nurture young talents.
The VCMF aims to promote classical music and provide a creative and sustainable platform for the Vietnamese and international classical music community. The festival is organized by the Vietnam Youth Music Institute and Vietfest, the organizer of various cultural events in Vietnam, including the HOZO International Music Festival, Vietnam Design Week, Manga Comic Con Vietnam, and the Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival.
