The five-minute video features a dan tranh (Vietnamese zither) and violin ensemble performing Viết tiếp câu chuyện hòa bình (Writing the Next Chapter of Peace), produced by Quynh Music House in Hội Phú Ward in collaboration with Diamond Pleiku Music Center.
The project, led by Ms. Hồ Thị Như Quỳnh, Head of Quynh Music House, sought to connect young audiences with traditional music.
“I have always dreamed of bringing the dan tranh closer to young people by combining it with other instruments,” Ms. Quỳnh said. “When I learned that Mr. Dung was passionate about the violin, I decided to collaborate to offer audiences a new perspective on traditional instruments.”
The ensemble performs a song composed by Nguyen Van Chung in November 2023, known for its familiar melody and positive message, which has resonated widely, particularly among young people.
The recording and filming process took two weeks, balancing the delicate tones of the dan tranh with the sustained, bright notes of the violin.
Filming locations were carefully chosen for their symbolic value: the children’s house in Pleiku Ward, a hub for nurturing young talent, and Đại Đoàn Kết Square, featuring the statue of President Ho Chi Minh with the peoples of the Central Highlands.
The choice reflects the song lyric, “Grateful to our great Father on the path to national salvation,” and represents the gratitude of Gia Lai’s youth toward Ho Chi Minh’s contributions.
Forty-two students participated, arranged in a V formation wearing costumes with symbolic meaning: central performers in red áo dài representing the Vietnamese flag, children in blue áo dài with dove motifs symbolizing peace, and others in white representing schoolchildren.
Participants described the experience as both challenging and rewarding. Cao Thái Sơn (born 2012) said, “Despite waking up early and feeling tired, performing at Đại Đoàn Kết Square with the orchestra was unforgettable.”
Thai Ngọc Khánh Linh (born 2010), who had studied violin for only two months, added, “participating in this video to celebrate the 80th National Day made me feel proud. Music is a way to spread peace and love for our homeland.”
The production faced logistical challenges, including transporting the 1.3-meter-long dan tranh and filming during stormy weather.
Yet, through teamwork and careful adjustments, the contrasting timbres of the instruments were harmonized, creating a polished final product.
Released on August 30 on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, the video received positive audience feedback praising the meaningful combination of violin and dan tranh and its celebration of National Day.
The entire project was completed with a budget of 7 million VND (approximately 300 USD), underscoring the dedication and passion of the young musicians and production team.
From the plucking of dan tranh strings to the violin’s expressive strokes, Viết tiếp câu chuyện hòa bình captures Gia Lai youth embracing the spirit of patriotism and continuing the story of peace through music.
