US Arts Envoy Concludes Tour in Vietnam

Vietnam Youth Theater hosted “An Evening of Music: Rhythms from the United States and Vietnam” featuring New York City’s a capella group Backtrack Vocals, as well as Vietnam National Opera and Ballet’s string quartet. Source: US Embassy Hanoi

World famous American acapella group Backtrack Vocals, visited several cities across Vietnam from August 24 to September 6.

Sponsored by the US Mission in Vietnam and American Music Abroad, Backtrack Vocals held public concerts, master classes, and community outreach activities in Da Nang City, An Giang, Can Tho City, Ho Chi Minh City, Lao Cai, and Hanoi.

In Da Nang, Backtrack Vocals joined well-known Vietnamese artists, such as Da LAB, My Anh, Buc Tuong, Kimmese, Brainwave, and more on stage at the 6th annual music and community festival – BridgeFest 2022.

The theme of BridgeFest 2022 is ‘Be the Change Toward a Human Economy’, encouraging all to realise the importance of humanity and our shared environment above all else.

The festival attracted thousands of attendees both in-person and online.

This five-person pop vocal group showcases the top-notch vocal abilities of all members and creates interesting harmonies—all done without any instruments! Backtrack. Source: US Embassy Hanoi

Speaking at BridgeFest, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper said, “BridgeFest is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a community and express our support for a society that values the importance of all members equally. Social inclusion makes societies stronger, more resilient, and more globally competitive.”

In the Mekong Delta, Backtrack Vocals also performed for hundreds of students and faculty at An Giang and Can Tho universities. Additionally, in Ho Chi Minh City, the American group conducted a singing workshop with students at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music and performed on stage with several students at a public performance at the Conservatory.

In Hanoi, Backtrack Vocals engaged with an audience of 300 in a public performance at the Youth Theater and held a musical exchange with several hundred students at the National University of Art Education. The group also traveled north to Lao Cai Province and cultural outreach with students and lecturers at Lao Cai College.

American Music Abroad artists represent the best of the new generation of US musical ambassadors, reaching beyond concert halls to interact with other musicians and the general public abroad.

“We have been working with young people, talented artists and have had magical experiences in Vietnam,” the band shared with the press after the show “An Evening of Music: Rhythms from the United States and Vietnam” held at Vietnam Youth Theater on September 1.

“We want to encourage young people, students, students of all ages. Follow your dreams, follow what you want, that’s our message,” the band shared with the press after taking centre stage in Hanoi. Source: US Embassy Hanoi

“It’s great to sing on the same stage with you, with all the audience and with bands in Vietnam. I think this is a great opportunity, an honor for us to perform on a stage with the participation of Vietnamese bands. Everything that happened makes us never forget about this experience, it happened like a miracle,” said the band’s representative.

“I stand here representing America, it’s a feeling to spread our music to the wonderful people of Vietnam. That helps us to strengthen the relationship between the US and Vietnam.”

“Being able to perform for audiences in Vietnam is a great thing, because they have a great feel and the way they express their feelings is amazing. That’s why 100% of us want to come back to Vietnam,” the band’s representative emphasized.

Exchange with students at An Giang University. Photo courtesy of the university

At the NUAE – National University Of Art Education. Photo courtesy of the university

Backtrack Vocals explores the vibrant town of Hoi An. Photo courtesy of the band

Photo courtesy of the band