Sunday 31 October 2021

Vietnamese monochord and traditional Arab music come together for first time at Expo 2020 Dubai

For the first time ever, the Vietnamese monochord (đàn bầu) was played together with middle eastern traditional music on an international stage.

On the evening of October 12, 2021, one of Expo 2020 Dubai’s most anticipated music performances took place on the Expo’s largest outdoor stage, featuring meritorious monochord artist Lệ Giang from Viet Nam and renowned singer Aseel Abu Baker.

Jalsat Night is a monthly musical series taking place at the World Expo from October 2021 to March 2022. The series has gathered significant attention from Arab media and viewers. Expo organisers hope to not only introduce the UAE’s musical heritage to the world, but also create a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors in which traditional instruments from several countries join a Middle Eastern band on stage, together with regional star singers.

The Vietnamese đàn bầu was the only guest instrument featured in the first Jalsat night. Monochord artist Lệ Giang, in her bright yellow áo dài, stole the spotlight as soon as she came on stage. Music from the monochord opened the show to the joyful melody of ‘Gedar Gedar’ by singer Aseel Abu Baker. The duo treated visitors to an amazing performance where the monochord complimented the Arab singer’s voice in perfect harmony.

Aseel Abu Baker is one of the region’s most popular music superstars. His father, the late Abu Bakr Salem Balfaqih, is considered a legend and the ‘father of contemporary Arab music’.

Currently a teacher at Viet Nam National Academy of Music, meritorious artist Lệ Giang has performed for more than 30 years with her monochord. She is also one of the few selected artists featured at the Viet Nam Pavilion at previous Expos, including Expo 2010 Shanghai, Expo 2012 Yeosu, Expo Milan 2015, and Expo Astana 2017. Speaking about the performance, Lệ Giang said: “I was grateful for the warm welcome and support from the organisers, the other artists, and the special opportunity to join the superstar Aseel Abu Baker in a spontaneous musical ‘conversation’. Using traditional instruments to represent different countries, we were able to create a melody among friends, which connected us and brought us all closer together.”

Another reason to put Jalsat Night on visitors’ to-do list is the traditional Arab music band with famous musicians from all over the region. Members of the band have collaborated with top artists, performed on major TV programs and musical events. The majority of the band have been given 10-year cultural visas by the UAE for their contribution in regional art.

As one of the world’s largest non-commercial expositions, Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo in the MEASA region and has gathered more than 190 countries and international organisations. On October 1, 2021, the Viet Nam Pavilion officially opened its doors to visitors. This is Viet Nam’s seventh World Expo. Aside from the continued celebration of traditional values and culture, Viet Nam Pavilion also introduces the country’s latest technological advances in sustainability. During the six-month exposition, the Viet Nam Pavilion will host and participate in activities across different fields, including the anticipated Viet Nam National Day (December 30, 2021) on which Viet Nam takes centre stage at the Expo.

To watch Ms. Lệ Giang’s performance and get updates on the Viet Nam Pavilion, please visit our official website at www.vietnamexpo2020dubai.com or follow the official social accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Source: vietnamexpo2020dubai.com

The Holiday and Travel Magazine

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