In response to the invitation from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia, artists from the Showroom of Traditional Musical Instruments and Performance of the Vietnamese Institute for Musicology participated in the program “Echoes of Asean Bronze” - a key event within the framework of the annual “Rhythm of Kinabalu” festival organized in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah province of Malaysia. This program, featuring artistic activities that combine music and dance, widened and activated the cultural activities of the local people. The program was a contribution to the promotion of tourism in the area.
The program was organized in six days with the participation of delegates from ten ASEAN countries. The opening night featured a spectacular ensemble performance titled “Echoes of Gongs” by all ASEAN artists. This performance provided a powerful soundscape, which was rich in folk elements and sacredness. It combined with dance that showcased the distinctive colors of various ethnic groups, surprised and delighted the audience. Notably, the solo performance of the t’rưng (a traditional bamboo instrument) titled “Vào rừng hái quả - Into the Forest to Gather Fruits” by Vietnamese artists, accompanied by Malaysian musicians, received a warm and enthusiastic reception from the audience.
The festival promoted cultural exchange and mutual understanding among ASEAN countries, particularly nurturing innovation and creativity to enhance cultural diversity and propogate both traditional and contemporary ASEAN arts.

DANG THI HOAI THU