Hoa Binh Theater Lights Up Again, Reviving Da Lat’s Cultural Space
After a long period of near inactivity, Hoa Binh Theater in Xuan Huong - Da Lat Ward (Lam Dong Province) has reopened with a chamber symphony concert, raising hopes of reviving a familiar cultural venue in the heart of Da Lat.
On the evening of March 21, a music exchange program between Da Lat and Daegu (South Korea) took place at Hoa Binh Theater, attracting a large audience of music lovers. More than just a performance, the event revived memories of a long-standing cultural venue that had remained quiet for years.
Located in the center of Da Lat, Hoa Binh Theater was once a familiar hub of artistic life for local residents. However, in recent years, it has rarely been used for its intended purpose, gradually becoming a “silent space” amid a vibrant tourism city.
Therefore, its selection as the venue for an international music exchange program brought a fresh feeling—like awakening a forgotten cultural space.
According to the Lam Dong Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the program is part of efforts to expand international music cooperation following Da Lat’s admission to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2023.
The participation of artists from the Daegu International Symphony Orchestra goes beyond a single performance, representing a tangible connection between cities that share a common vision for creative development.
The program was organized by Pho Ben Doi, a creative space in Da Lat, as part of a community music project. On the Korean side were artists from the Daegu International Symphony Orchestra, while the Vietnamese side brought together lecturers and performers from the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music.
Beyond the performances, the event also aimed to expand access to classical music for the local public, particularly students and young artists. It is considered a step toward building a more professional environment for music appreciation in Da Lat.
In a message sent to the program, the UNESCO Representative Office in Vietnam emphasized that the joint performance by international and Vietnamese artists demonstrates the connectivity within the Creative Cities Network. It also provides an opportunity for Da Lat to promote long-term cooperation in arts, education, and creativity.
Although the concert has concluded, the reopening of Hoa Binh Theater is expected to be more than a one-time event, potentially paving the way for the revival and effective use of historic cultural spaces in Da Lat.