Paintings of 12 zodiac animals by prominent artist Nguyen Tu Nghiem are on display at the Vietnam Classical Music Festival 2024 (VCMF) in the Central Highlands city of Da Lat from March 10 to 17.

As well as enjoying the academic music, the public can also view 12 paintings in the Dialogue on Time exhibition at Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa, which is free to the public.

The display is part of the VCMF 2024, which opened on March 10 and combines classical music performances with the experience of viewing paintings, creating a rich, multi-dimensional art space.

A guache painting of Dragon by Nguyen Tu Nghiem.

The collection's owner, pianist Tran Le Bao Quyen, and violinist Tran Le Quang Tien, who has recently returned from Germany, will perform classical works in what promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience. 

According to curator Nguyen Nhu Huy, the exhibition and music fest create a space for intercultural and inter-artistic dialogue on philosophical, visual culture, and human themes that transcend the realm of aesthetics.

"In the Vietnamese art scene, Nguyen Tu Nghiem is a very special case. Not only is he a master painter, but through his deep reflection and research from the perspective of visual culture, he has quietly but resolutely and consistently opened a revolution, or let us say a debate and critique, on the theme of East-West identity - an extremely important theme in world contemporary art, often called the post-colonial theme," said curator Nguyen Nhu Huy.

The festival is expected to be an artistic event that will highlight Da Lat's UNESCO Creative City title in the field of music.

Pianist Tran Le Bao Quyen will perform at the music festival. Photo courtesy of the artist

With more than 100 local and international artists participating in 17 performances, three workshops, and classes, VCMF 2024 is a multi-generational convergence where audiences can enjoy performances from veteran artists to the dynamic young generation.

Some of the prominent names of the festival include the famous German pianist and composer Tim Allhoff, Taiwanese pianist Liao Hsin-Chiao, Song Hong Ensemble, Schubert in a Mug, the Vietnam Youth Symphony Orchestra (VYO), and others.

The festival is also a launching pad for young talents such as The 6th Floor Woodwind Quintet, the Beethoven Piano Quartet and the Milhaud Trio, who promise to bring unique and new musical experiences.

The event also featured music education projects such as 'Slide on Strings' led by artists Pham Vu Thien Bao, Le Minh Hien, and the Vietnam Youth Symphony Orchestra conducted by Phan Do Phuc.

VCMF is held to disseminate and uplift classical music, creating a creative and sustainable playground for the Vietnamese and international classical music community. It is an initiative of the Vietnam Youth Music Institute and Vietfest - the organizer of events such as the HOZO International Music Festival in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Design Week, Manga Comic Con Vietnam, and the Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival.