Da Lat Opens Vietnam Jazz Heritage Festival 2026: A Convergence of World Musical Excellence

The opening ceremony was attended by Bui Thi Quynh Van, Member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee's Organization Commission; Tran Hong Thai, Member of the Party Central Committee and President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology; and Major General Nguyen Xuan Thuy, Director of the Propaganda Department under the General Department of Politics.

Representing other localities were Nguyen Tuan Anh, Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee and Standing Deputy Secretary of the Lai Chau Provincial Party Committee; and Ho Xuan Truong, Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee and Standing Deputy Secretary of the Khanh Hoa Provincial Party Committee.

Representing Lam Dong Province were Y Thanh Ha Nie Kdam, Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation; Ho Van Muoi, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee; Dang Hong Sy, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee; Luu Van Trung, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Council; Pham Thi Phuc, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Lam Dong Province; and Dinh Van Tuan, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee. Also in attendance were representatives of provincial departments, agencies and organizations, as well as numerous Vietnamese and international artists, local residents and visitors.

A Vibrant Musical Experience in the Land of Flowers

Lam Vien Square became a gathering place for music, light and emotion as the carefully staged opening program created an energetic atmosphere amid Da Lat's characteristic cool weather. Jazz melodies in a variety of styles, ranging from soulful and lyrical to spontaneous, free-spirited and contemporary, invited audiences on a journey of discovery through a highly creative musical genre.

The combination of international performers and leading Vietnamese artists created a colorful performance space where different musical styles and cultures came together. More than an artistic showcase, the opening night offered fresh experiences that brought audiences closer to jazz, a genre that places a strong emphasis on improvisation, creativity and interaction between performers and audiences.

Delivering the opening address, Dinh Van Tuan, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee, emphasized that the Vietnam Jazz Heritage Festival 2026 is one of the significant cultural and artistic events held as part of the 11th Da Lat Flower Festival 2026. The event also provides an opportunity to promote the positive values of culture, inspire a love of the arts and a spirit of creativity, and strengthen exchanges and connections among people and cultures around the world.

According to Dinh Van Tuan, the combination of floral and musical spaces will create a distinctive appeal for Da Lat. Residents and visitors will not only enjoy the beauty of the Land of Flowers but also immerse themselves in emotionally rich cultural and artistic experiences.

The Vice Chairman affirmed that jazz has the ability to connect people across differences in language, nationality and culture. Through its melodies, rhythms and distinctive forms of expression, music becomes a shared language that helps strengthen mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation among nations.

The festival provides an opportunity for the world's musical excellence to meet Vietnamese identity, spirit and inspiration. It also enables the public, particularly younger generations, to experience a wider range of art forms while nurturing their appreciation of the arts and fostering their creativity.

Linking Culture and the Arts with Tourism Development

For Lam Dong, linking cultural development with tourism offers considerable potential. With its natural landscapes, climate, heritage resources and cultural diversity, Da Lat has favorable conditions for developing cultural tourism products, experiential tourism and high-quality artistic events.

Dinh Van Tuan said the Vietnam Jazz Heritage Festival 2026 is among the activities contributing to this strategic direction. It strengthens the connection between culture, the arts and tourism, creates additional products for residents, attracts visitors, stimulates trade and service activities, and contributes to the province's socio-economic development.

Notably, the festival takes place as Da Lat has joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of Music. This designation not only recognizes Da Lat’s cultural values and creative potential but also opens up opportunities to strengthen international exchanges, develop cultural spaces, host more meaningful artistic events and make music a more regular part of urban life.

The organization of the Vietnam Jazz Heritage Festival 2026 therefore carries significance beyond that of a performance program. It also provides an opportunity to connect artists, audiences and creative organizations from Vietnam and abroad, gradually build a creative environment, promote the cultural industries and enhance Da Lat's appeal as a destination.

Running from November 6 to 8, the Vietnam Jazz Heritage Festival 2026 brings together numerous Vietnamese and international artists, including Lisa Ono (Japan), Nik West and Raul Midón (the United States), artists and bands from South Korea, as well as prominent Vietnamese musicians such as Hong Nhung, Tran Thu Ha, Tran Manh Tuan, Duc Tri and Hoai Sa.

Following the opening night, an expanded artistic performance program will continue on November 7 in the area in front of the 3/4 Theatre and in the Hoa Binh area, serving residents and visitors. On November 7 and 8, the festival will also feature programs for invited guests at the HAUS Da Lat project grounds. Performances are free of charge, helping broaden public access to the arts.

With jazz melodies resonating across the Central Highlands, the Vietnam Jazz Heritage Festival 2026 offers more than a distinctive musical experience. It also promotes Da Lat as a dynamic, open and creative destination. The festival thereby contributes to advancing Da Lat's status as a UNESCO Creative City of Music and positioning culture and the arts as important resources for Da Lat's tourism development and efforts to build a distinctive destination brand for the Land of Flowers.

Hoang Sa - Chinh Thanh