The art program “Hello Show” combines ethnic music, images, sounds, and cuisine in a contemporary artistic space.

Not merely a performance, the program is like an impressive journey for the audience to perceive the country, its people, and the cultural identity of Vietnam through the creativity of art.

The suite “Giang sơn cẩm tú,” consisting of 12 chapters, was composed specifically for “Chào Show,” which is performed entirely with traditional instruments such as the monochord, tơ-rưng, drums, and horns. “Chào Show” is not just a music program; it also offers a rare multi-sensory experience. In addition to the performances and visuals depicting the nature and people of Vietnam, the program incorporates 9 signature dishes from the three regions of North, Central, and South, helping the audience appreciate the culture through multiple senses.

Artist Cao Ho Nga, one of the performers, shared that this is the first time she has participated in a program that purely uses traditional musical instruments, without mixing with symphony or modern music.

“For all the years I’ve been in this profession, this is the first time I’ve been part of a program that only uses traditional instruments, without combining with symphony or modern music. The ethnic music in ‘Chào Show’ still retains its characteristics but has a very effective and fresh way of expression,” she remarked. According to the female artist, the combination of music and cuisine helps the audience not only to hear and see but also to feel Vietnamese culture through multiple senses, creating a complete exploration journey.

Artist Truong Ho Thao Linh also mentioned that the preparation process for “Chao Show” was a major challenge. When receiving the score of the suite, the group took over a week to find a reasonable solution for the division of 30 instruments. According to the composer’s intention, each artist must play from 8 to 10 different instruments, requiring high skills and absolute focus. This is one of her most memorable experiences during the rehearsal process.

Accompanying the program, artist Nguyen Chi Thanh expressed his joy at being a piece in “Chao Show,” collaborating with colleagues to convey Vietnamese music and culture to the audience. Although he does not have any special memories, he believes that the participation process helped him learn and experience many new things. “I feel I know more, have experienced more, and the most wonderful thing is that I have gained more artist brothers and sisters whom I now consider family,” he shared.

One of the special features of “Chào Show” is the application of Immersive Audio technology 20.4 – a first in an artistic program in Vietnam. The 3D surround sound system allows viewers, no matter where they sit, to experience the sound in a vivid and realistic way.

The combination of traditional music and modern performance in “Chào Show” has left a strong impression on many international tourists. Marc Adrien Octave Cuit, a French visitor, expressed excitement at the opportunity to enjoy the program. “These traditional instruments are very new to me. Today, I am truly honored to witness such a unique show. I had heard about the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam, but this is the first time I see their images and sounds represented so vividly,” he shared.

Sharing the same sentiment, Tom Bakaysa, an American tourist who has spent 40 days exploring Vietnam, also praised the program. “I have seen many shows in New York, Las Vegas, and various places around the world, but ‘Chào Show’ is one of the most impressive shows I have ever watched. What I found most delightful is the complete use of traditional instruments, providing a truly special experience,” he remarked.

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The birth of ‘Chào Show’ is considered a positive signal in the context of Ho Chi Minh City still lacking artistic performance programs rich in Vietnamese identity for visitors. It is hoped that the program will introduce Vietnam in a way never seen before – not only through music but also by combining cuisine and visuals.

Dr. Ta Duy Linh, Director of the Institute for Economic Development and Tourism Research, stated that “Hello Show” is not just a performance but also a unique cultural experience. The combination of traditional art and modern technology helps tourists gain a deeper understanding of the regions of Vietnam without the need to travel extensively.

With a systematic approach and a harmonious combination of folk art and modern technology, “Chào Show” has the potential to become a signature nighttime tourism product of Ho Chi Minh City, attracting both domestic and international tourists, while also contributing to the preservation and promotion of Vietnamese cultural heritage values.