Artists from the National Academy of Music perform on stage. The newly-established Ha Noi Music Promotion Centre intends to give large-scale music performances at least twice a year.

A music centre has been set up in Ha Noi to teach appreciation to audiences and get more people involved in the art.

The centre will introduce participants to noted domestic and foreign composers and hold music workshops and classes on playing instruments and singing. The not-for-profit centre charges minimal fees and is open to all ages and backgrounds, according to composer Van Dung head of the centre.

The centre was the brainchild of composer Pham Tuyen, former chairman of Ha Noi Music Association, and has been picked up by current chairman and composer Ho Quang Binh. "The association doesn't have the financial resources to run such a centre but we hope to receive support from individuals and organisations throughout the country," Binh said.

A choir, Hanoi Harmony, has already been set up with 50 members. After two months of rehearsals, the choir has a repertoire of six works and plans to give its debut public performance at the Ha Noi Opera House in October.

Composer Van Dung heads the centre, supported by deputy head Professor Nguyen Lan Cuong, composer Hoang Lan, singer Bich Viet, artist Tran Duc, conductor Nguyen Thieu Hoa and composer Ho Trong Tan. The centre operate from its main office at 19 Hang Buom Street, at the Ha Noi Arts College at 7 Hai Ba Trung Street and, later, at the National Academy of Music, the Military Arts and Culture College, and the Central Arts Teachers Training College.

Binh said the centre planned to expand to other areas in the country.

(VNS)