National Traditional Musical Instrument Competition 2026 Concludes First Round in Lam Dong

Attending the closing and awards ceremony were Ta Quang Dong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Head of the Competition Steering Committee; and People's Artist Nguyen Xuan Bac, Director of the Department of Performing Arts, member of the Steering Committee and Head of the Organizing Committee.

Representing Lam Dong Province were Vo Thanh Binh, member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Secretary of the Phan Thiet Ward Party Committee; Nguyen Thi Thuan Bich and Mai Thi Xuan Trung, members of the Lam Dong Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairwomen of the Provincial People's Council; Nguyen Minh, member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; and Le Thi Hai Duyen, member of the Provincial Party Committee and Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Lam Dong's Party Agencies.

The first round of the 2026 competition was held in Lam Dong from October 24 to 30, featuring 52 solo and ensemble entries registered and performed by 16 arts organizations from across the country.

Under the theme “Vietnamese Musical Colors – Convergence and Radiance”, five days of competition brought audiences who appreciate traditional music a wide range of emotions and diverse musical experiences. The performances also left a strong impression through their artistic expression and interpretation.

The solo and ensemble performances not only showcased the richness of Vietnam's traditional music but also conveyed the nation's valuable historical and cultural heritage.

Preserving tradition while encouraging artistic development

The competition was assigned by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to the Department of Performing Arts, in coordination with the Vietnam Musicians' Association and the Departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lam Dong and Thai Nguyen provinces. It is being held in two rounds: the first in Lam Dong from October 24 to 30, and the second in Thai Nguyen from November 6 to 12, 2026.

The competition brings together 33 arts organizations, with a total of 18 performance sessions and 150 entries, involving nearly 800 artists and performers.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Ta Quang Dong said the participating organizations and artists had prepared seriously for the competition, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility, professional skills and commitment to traditional musical instruments.

Many entries demonstrated careful selection of repertoire, instrumental technique and artistic expression, helping affirm the value and enduring appeal of Vietnamese traditional music.

According to the Head of the Competition Steering Committee, arts organizations should pay greater attention to artistic depth, technical proficiency, a thorough understanding of the distinctive characteristics of each instrument and cohesion in ensemble performances. These aspects should be carefully assessed through the competition and used as a basis for training, professional development and improving the quality of the artist workforce in the years ahead.

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I urge the Department of Performing Arts to continue compiling and evaluating the competition's professional results, and to study and recommend solutions to improve the quality of competitions and festivals. Professional activities should be linked with the discovery and development of talent and the training of the next generation of artists.

Ta Quang Dong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism

The Steering Committee also called on participating arts organizations to build on their achievements, carefully consider the professional feedback of the jury, and proactively develop plans for training, practice and improved performance quality. At the same time, they were encouraged to preserve the distinctive values of traditional music while promoting creativity in line with the development of the arts today.

In his professional assessment of the first round, People's Artist Thanh Tam, former Head of the Traditional Music Faculty at the Vietnam National Academy of Music and Chair of the first-round Jury, said the competition had presented a rich variety of musical styles, reflecting the diversity of traditional instrumental performances at traditional opera and theatre companies, music and dance troupes, and professional arts training institutions. A number of performances stood out for their thorough preparation and artistic quality.

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The participating organizations made considerable investments in their programs and individual performances, particularly several troupes specializing in traditional musical theatre. Notably, this year's competition included a non-public arts organization, broadening the range of participants and adding further diversity to the event.

People's Artist Thanh Tam, former Head of the Traditional Music Faculty at the Vietnam National Academy of Music and Chair of the first-round Jury

One encouraging feature was the participation of young artists performing traditional classical pieces with confidence, deep understanding and impressive instrumental skills.

Some artists also composed and performed their own works, demonstrating creativity, technical mastery and artistic ability, while seeking to contribute new compositions to the traditional instrumental repertoire. These positive developments, the Jury noted, should be encouraged and given opportunities to grow.

Awards recognize outstanding performances

At the conclusion of the first round, the Organizing Committee presented six First Prizes and 12 Second Prizes in the solo and ensemble categories to artists, instrumentalists, bands and groups representing participating arts organizations.

The Vietnam Musicians' Association also presented 14 awards to organizations, artists and instrumentalists in recognition of their efforts and successful competition entries.