Four galas with the participation of Asian singers will be the new feature of Bai Hat Viet (Vietnamese Song) 2009. The first show of 2009 will take place on April 25 at the Hoa Binh Theatre, HCM City.

Le Cat Trong Ly, a new “discovery” of Bai Hat Viet 2008.

Galas will introduce successful songs of Bai Hat Viet, which will be arranged carefully and see the participation of famous singers of Vietnam and Asian countries. Guest singers will perform famous songs of their countries and Vietnamese songs as well.

“This way of organisation aims to emphasise Vietnamese artists’ desire for integration through exchanges and sharing with international colleagues. This is also a way to introduce Vietnamese songs to the world,” said Luong Minh, an organiser of Bai Hat Viet.

The first gala of Bai Hat Viet 2009 on April 25, in HCM City, will see the presence of singers from Brunei and the Philippines. The three other galas will be held in July, October, and February 2010, featuring pop and contemporary folk songs, jazz, rock genres.

This year is the fifth Bai Hat Viet contest. The organisers will present the following awards: Song of the Year, Outstanding Song in Each Musical Genre, Best Composer, Song Voted for by Audience, Favourite Singer, and the Special Award of the Artistic Council.

The awards ceremony will take place at 8pm, January 30, 2010.

Bai Hat Viet is a reputed annual song writing contest held by the Vietnam Television (VTV).

PV