Vietnam’s first ever International Choir Festival and Competition (VICC 1) opened in Hoi An City in the central province of Quang Nam on March 16.

The four-day event is drawing the participation of 30 choirs with nearly 1,000 artists from 11 countries and territories, including Germany, Hong Kong (China), Estonia, Hungary, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Spain, Singapore, Sri Lanka and host Vietnam.

The imposing opening performance, featuring specific characteristics of the cultural life of the Vietnamese people, with diversified forms of the singing and dancing art, such as songs in chorus and folk songs, took place on a floating stage at the Hoai River Square.

The festival continued with performances presented by choirs from Malaysia, Estonia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

A magnificent chorus performance from 1,000 singers from all the choirs closed the opening night of VICC 1.

Jointly organised by the Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Quang Nam Province and the Germany-based Interkultur organisation, VICC 1 is a meeting of chorus lovers who can exchange through music, thus strengthening understanding about nations’ cultures as well as improving international friendship, solidarity and cooperation.

It also offers an opportunity to introduce international friends to the beauty of an ancient town, the hospitality of the Quang Nam people and the unique tourism products of Quang Nam in particular and central Vietnam in general.