Leading models Anh Thu (L) and Thanh Hang say Charming Vietnam shows have given them unforgettable memories

An affirming experience draws stars to the nation’s premier music fest that raises funds for deserving students.

For the artistes – singers, models and designers – it is a superbly managed and presented show that is ideal to showcase their creativity and talent.

“Upcoming singers consider the program a launching pad that catapults them to new heights while established ones, both local and abroad, see it as a chance to perform to a large audience onstage and through DVDs, introduce new songs and cement their reputation in the performing industry,” says My Linh, one of the most famous singers in the country.

Several artistes are looking forward to the 21^st Duyen Dang Viet Nam (Charming Vietnam) student-benefit music festival that will be celebrated this May.

Linh says she is thrilled to appear in this year’s gala for the 16th time. “The show has filled participating artists with strong feelings and fond memories.

“Duyen Dang Viet Nam has established its own trademark and its main appeal is the large number of participating performers and a diverse, innovative, thoroughly prepared content.

“I really feel proud to have contributed to the show since its very first years.”

The diva first appeared at the 3^rd Duyen Dang Viet Nam and completely won over audiences with the song Tren dinh Phu Van (On the Phu Van peak) at the 5^th show, taking the nation by storm.

Top models have also been long-standing participants in the event.

“The show promotes our best images and I feel proud to join it for the 15th time,” says Xuan Lan.

“I’m moved every time its name is mentioned, not only because it raises money for talented and economically-disadvantaged students but also there exists a strong emotional bond between participants, performers and the team.

“We are by each other’s side from the beginning till the end at each show. The memories of the time we joined the three shows abroad will never fade from my mind. We shared difficulties and joys and came to understand each other better.”

Anh Thu distinctly remembers her first appearance in Duyen Dang Viet Nam in 2002.

“I was thrilled but worried at the same time. I was determined to impress audiences with a graceful gait, so I practiced wearing the high-heeled shoes onstage and at home though I was exhausted and got sore feet then,” Thu said.

Thanh Hang, who was Miss Photogenic at The Gioi Phu Nu (World of Women) magazine’s 2002 contest and starred in last year’s blockbuster Nu hon than chet (Hot Kiss), says her most memorable experience was at the 19^th Duyen Dang Viet Nam.

“When I donned resplendent ao dai (Vietnam’s traditional tunic) and stunning evening dresses designed by top Nguyen Cong Tri, Thuan Viet and Lien Huong, I felt I was making a cross-generational journey.

“I have traveled with Charming Vietnam several times, and felt a strong sense of national pride when I performed at the galas in Australia, Singapore and the UK.”

Supermodel Truong Thi May, first runner-up at the 2007 Miss Ethnic Vietnam pageant, could hardly sleep when she was invited to join the 19^th show for the first time.

“I’d watched many Duyen Dang Viet Nam shows on the stage and through DVDs and wished I could join other models in the show one day.

“When I performed in the show for the first time, I was overwhelmed with pride and happiness,” May said.

She hopes that the show will continue promoting Vietnamese culture in the outside world.

The Charming Vietnam show debuted to high acclaim on May 30 and 31 in 1994 and has taken place every year since. The show was taken to Canberra and Sydney in Australia in 2005, Singapore in 2007 and London in 2008.

This year’s editions will be held on May 7-10 at Hoa Binh Theater in Ho Chi Minh City and May 15 and 16 at Vinpearl Land in Nha Trang in central Khanh Hoa Province.

The music festival is an event held to raise money for the Thanh Nien-initiated Vietnam Talent Fund and Nguyen Thai Binh Scholarship Fund. The former awards outstanding students and the latter grants scholarships to poor and deserving students.

Charming Vietnam has been held 20 times locally and abroad over the last 15 years, attracting the attention and interest of locals, expatriates, government officials and international organizations.

So far, more than 7,600 underprivileged students have received assistance from the Nguyen Thai Binh Scholarship Fund, named after an outstanding student and martyr who gave up his life in 1972 when he was just 24 years old.

Reported by Do Tuan – Da Ly