(GLO) – The sounds of gongs and the Xoang dance filled the coastal city of Quy Nhon Ward from August 29 to September 1 as the Pleiku Roh gong ensemble performed at the 2025 festival “Essence of the great Highlands - Convergence of the blue sea.”
The gong ensemble from Pleiku Roh village (Dien Hong Ward) performs at the “Colors of the Sea” street festival.
The 30-member group, representing Dien Hong Ward in Gia Lai Province, prepared meticulously for the event. Instruments including drums, gongs, t’rung, klong put and goong, along with traditional costumes and masks, were readied for stage appearances.
The ensemble rehearsed classic repertoires such as: Celebrating victory and joy of the grand festival to ensure a strong impression on audiences.
Meritorious Artist and Dr. Hoàng Duẩn (far left, Deputy Head of the Faculty of Cultural and Artistic Management, Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture), General Director of the “Essence of the Great Forests – Blue Seas Converge” festival, discusses performance details with members of the gong ensemble.
During the four-day festival, gong performances combined with the energetic Xoang dance captivated crowds at key events including the Coffee and Gong cultural festival, the “Colors of the sea” street parade and traditional art evenings.
Beyond stage performances, locals and tourists joined the ensemble in trying out gongs and other traditional instruments, guided by artisans. The interactive sessions added to the appeal of the performances and highlighted the cultural heritage of the Jrai ethnic community in the western part of the province.
The ensemble’s enthusiasm created lasting memories for audiences, strengthening the festival’s success and promoting the cultural identity of the Central Highlands.
Below are several images of the gong ensemble during the festival:
The Pleiku Roh village gong ensemble performing at the “Colors of the sea” street festival. Photo: Dũng Nhân Members of the Pleiku Roh gong ensemble join the parade, performing for festival-goers. The joy of Jrai young men as they perform at the “Colors of the sea” street festival. A striking performance by the Pleiku Roh gong ensemble at Nguyen Tat Thanh Square (Quy Nhon Ward). Jrai young men from Pleiku Roh village enthusiastically perform gong music for the public.
Dressed in traditional attire, Jrai women perform the graceful xoang dance. The beauty of a young Jrai woman, a member of the Pleiku Roh gong ensemble. Photo: Dũng Nhân Bram dancers add a highlight to the Pleiku Roh gong ensemble’s performance. Jrai young men showcase their stilt-walking skills. The Pleiku Roh gong ensemble performs at a traditional art program organized by the Gia Lai Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The ensemble’s traditional instrumental performance at the cultural arts program. Miss Tourism Ambassador Vietnam 2024 and festival media ambassador Đinh Thị Hoa (left) chats with members of the gong ensemble.
Traditional musical instruments of the Jrai people attract visitors.
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