Vietnam & Saudi Arabia Melody Resonates in Japan Expo

	Strengthening Vietnam-Hungary Friendship
	Hue, Nara Prefecture (Japan) Cooperate to Promote Cultural Heritage Values

A performance combining traditional musical instruments of Vietnam and Saudi Arabia. (Photo: icd.gov.vn)

According to the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), the program was jointly organized by the Vietnam Exhibition House and the Saudi Arabia Exhibition House. The event welcomed Julien Guerrier, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Vietnam, alongside a global audience, reflecting the growing international interest in Vietnam’s cultural engagements.

For the first time, Vietnam’s traditional instruments—such as the monochord (dan bau), T’rung, Klong Put, and bamboo flute—resonated alongside Saudi Arabia’s iconic Qanun and Oud. The art space at the Saudi Arabia Exhibition House transformed into a vibrant stage where two distinct musical traditions merged seamlessly, creating a harmonious symphony beyond cultural boundaries.

The highlight of the program was the famous Japanese piece “Homeland”, performed with a unique combination of the Vietnamese monochord and the Arabic Oud. The familiar melody was given a new look - both calm and profound - moving the audience with the subtle blend of three musical styles: Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and Japan.

The performance concluded with an electrifying response: Japanese and international audiences rose in a five-minute standing ovation, chanting “Vietnam” in heartfelt tribute to the artists. A representative from the Saudi Arabia Exhibition House noted, “We have hosted many international exchanges, but this is the first time we have witnessed such passionate audience engagement. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Vietnamese artists.”

Japanese and international audiences applauded profusely after the performance. (Photo: icd.gov.vn)

The Organizing Committee emphasized that this successful fusion of Vietnamese and Saudi Arabian traditional music at EXPO 2025 not only stands as a cultural milestone but also opens doors for expanded artistic collaboration and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.

International art exchange has consistently been a highlight in the activities of the Vietnam Exhibition House at World Exhibitions. At EXPO 2020 Dubai, the performances in collaboration with Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Cambodia created a deep impression, contributing to spreading the image of Vietnam to friends around the world.

Following that success, the program that just took place in Japan is a promising start for a series of art activities of Vietnam at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The Organizing Committee said that in the coming time, international audiences will enjoy many more special performances with the participation of artists from Malaysia, Indonesia, Portugal, and Poland.

Not only introducing traditional musical instruments and honoring national cultural heritage, Vietnam Exhibition House also aims to show the image of a youthful, creative and integrated Vietnam. Many talented young artists are invited to Japan to perform and collaborate with international colleagues, thereby spreading the message of a dynamic, rich in identity and inspiring Vietnam on the international stage.

Lai Chau National Assembly, People's Council Delegates Hold Dialogue with Children National Assembly deputies and members of the People’s Council of Lai Chau province held a dialogue with representatives of children in the northern mountainous province.

ASEAN Economic Forum 2025: Opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to connect and reach out The ASEAN Economic Forum 2025 will be held on August 16 in Singapore, marking the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN. Under the ...