Renowned Irish musicians Mick Moloney (R) and Athena Tergis

Irish folk artist Mick Moloney speaks to Thanh Nien Daily ahead of a charity concert for Agent Orange victims on Saturday night in Hanoi.

“The world, particularly the people of the United States, need to know about the long-term consequences of major warfare and especially the reckless use of Agent Orange on a civilian population,” the musician says.

Moloney is performing in concert with other artists tonight at Hanoi’s Melia Hotel as part of a fund-raising event for AO victims in Vietnam.

During the Vietnam War from 1961-1971, the US army sprayed some 80 million liters of defoliant on southern Vietnam, mostly Agent Orange, which contained nearly 400 kilograms of dioxin, an extremely toxic substance.

By the end of the war in 1975, nearly 4.8 million Vietnamese people had been exposed to Agent Orange resulting in 400,000 deaths. Millions more have suffered devastating long-term health effects including cancer and genetic defects.

“In fact, a lot of people do not know these consequences, even I did not know,” says Moloney. “Despite the fact that the war has ended, many victims are still suffering from its hazardous consequences. The more people know, the more support can be given.”

Moloney says he admires the strength and courage of the Vietnamese people and hopes his music can help bring about change.

“I think that is it very fitting that the music of Ireland, which was forged under colonialism and hardship by ordinary people, is ideally suited for raising awareness of suffering in other parts of the world,” he says. “We are honored to be able to help alleviate the suffering of others in our own small way.”

Moloney, who has participated in charity concerts across the globe, says he was very impressed when he first came to Vietnam.

“I have loved Vietnam ever since I first visited 10 years ago. I have always admired the people… and [their] lack of bitterness about the past.

“I find it awe-inspiring. I also love the natural beauty of the country and the magnificent artistic heritage,” he adds. “So the depth of my experience increases with each visit.”

Tonight’s performance in Hanoi will feature other Irish artists including Athena Tergis, John Murphy and Frank Crocker. The sounds of Ireland will be presented on a range of instruments such as the fiddle, flute, tenor banjo, mandolin, guitar, and concertina.

Step dancer Niall O’Leary, founder of the Niall O’Leary Irish Dance School and Irish Dance Troupe, is also set to perform.

Vietnamese composer and renowned monochord player Thanh Tung will play alongside classical guitarist Nguyen Thuy Anh and percussionist Do Khac Huan.

The Irish and Vietnamese musicians will share the stage for a special segment of the show.

“All of the artists… are on a constant journey of growth and learning. We love the idea of this kind of collaboration with Vietnamese musicians,” says Moloney.

“I am willing to return to Vietnam, especially for humanitarian purposes and for victims of Agent Orange. I performed with Peter Yarrow for victims of Agent Orange last year and this time with the organization of the Embassy of Ireland. I will ask my musical colleagues to help and they will support any time they can and are available,” Moloney adds.

Following the concert, the artists will visit Hanoi’s Peace Village, which houses AO victims.

“It is an honor to be able to visit this great institution and make a small contribution to the work that it does,” says Moloney.

Free tickets for the event are available at the Ireland Embassy in Vietnam, 8th floor, Vincom City Towers, 191 Ba Trieu Street, Hanoi.

Reported by Bao Anh