Lookatvietnam - 2008 was a year of many singing contests, including Morning Star Rendezvous, Vietnam Idol, HCMC TV Music Star, The Singing of Autumn, billion dong concerts and the release of numerous albums have attracted a great number of audiences nationwide.

With numerous albums by music stars and young singers all over the country, it is hard to find high quality albums.

New projects in 2009

After releasing albums, including Made in Viet Nam, Chat with Mozart and Let Love Sing in the Japanese market in 2007, the diva, My Linh, and her staff are preparing to hold concerts and launch new products celebrating 15 years of singing.

Pop queen, Thanh Lam, will present her latest album to her music lovers, including songs written by well-known musicians Tran Tien, Duong Thu, Pho Duc Phuong and Thuan Yen.

Music diva, Hong Nhung, will also contribute to a dance album with songs composed by Huy Tuan and Quoc Trung.

2009 is expected to be the year of young singers and musicians through prestigious contests including Bai Hat Viet (Vietnamese song) composition contest and Sao Mai Diem Hen singing contest.

Lack of breakthrough in Vietnamese music

Although the local musical market sees some good signs ahead, musician Quoc Trung is worried about the lack of any breakthrough in Vietnamese music.

“Songs are rather similar, influenced by Korean and Chinese songs or vaguely contain folk songs and are poor in trend and idea. Meanwhile world music is very diversified and developing strongly,” he said.

Musicians Huy Tuan and Vo Thien Thanh said that singers and musicians have to polish their work.

Development strategy for Vietnamese music mainly depends on the State’s culture management being changed this year.

In 2009, singers and musicians will receive a performance card, granted by the Performing Arts Department, to carry on work.

VietNamNet/SGGP