Over the past years, the European Music Festival in Vietnam has introduced a remarkably diverse line-up of concerts to its stage in November in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This year, in addition to continuing to look for ways to diversify its audiences and repertoire to celebrate the richness of European culture, the Festival will present a captivating music mixtures by European and Vietnamese musicians, demonstrating that breaking down linguistic and cultural barriers, music has the advantage that it never needs to be interpreted. Over the past 20 years, relations between the European Union (EU) and Vietnam have developed vigorously, as a result of the combined efforts of the European Institutions and EU Member States. Relations extend far beyond commercial and development ties. The two sides continue to strengthen linkages and build bridges between the peoples of the European Union and the Vietnamese people, across the board. Cultural exchanges and public diplomacy activities are an important part of these efforts. Events such as the present European Music Festival showcase the European Union’s strength as “unity in diversity” and, more generally, the richness of European culture, and thus contribute to reinforce relations between Europe and Vietnam. H.E.Mr Franz Jessen, Ambassador – Head of the Delegation of the European Union said, “The event is an annual celebration of music excellence that makes the joy of music accessible to all. It is in itself an excellent example of important public diplomacy exchanges in the EU-Vietnam relation.” This year’s Festival will feature musicians from Germany, the Netherlands, France, Wallonia-Brussels (Belgium), the UK and Slovakia embracing classical music, jazz, pop, rock, and world music. Concerts will take place at the Youth Theatre in Hanoi and the Conservatory of Music in Ho Chi Minh City. Opening the Festival in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the German ‘Ma’a lot’ Quintet will present a high quality performance playing in chamber music by– the ensemble is considered today to be one of the leading international chamber ensembles. For fans of jazz, musicians from the Netherlands, Wallonia – Brussels (Belgium) and France will take audiences into sophisticated jazz melodies with great passion. The featuring of Vietnamese musicians together with European partners on stage will bring unforgettable entertaining moments at the festival. The festival aims to delight audiences with an innovative performance by the UK Zun Zun Egui Rock band, and a sweet pop performance by Slovakian singer Milena Minichova. Ambassador Jessen added, “Whether your primary interest is in serious contemporary music, world music, jazz, international cultural development or just enjoying fantastic entertainment, the European Music Festival offers unforgettable concerts to connect with.” Free tickets can be reserved and picked up from Monday 14 November 2011 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, at the following locations: HANOI Goethe Institute/Viện Goethe, 56-58 Nguyễn Thái Học, Tel: 04- 3 7 34 2251/52 British Council/Hội đồng Anh, 20 Thụy Khuê. Tel.: 04 38436780 L'Espace/ Trung tâm Văn hóa Pháp: 24 Tràng Tiền. Tel.: 04 39362164 Vietnam Performing Arts Centre/ Trung tâm Tổ chức Biểu diễn Nghệ thuật Tang 6 / 6th Floor, 32 Nguyen Thai Hoc. Tel/Fax : (+84-4) 3747 8658 TP. HỒ CHÍ MINH Goethe Institut/Viện Goethe: 18 Đường số 1, Cư xá Đô Thành, Phường 4, Quận 3. Tel.: 08 36009587 British Council/Hội Đồng Anh: 25 Lê Duẩn, Quận 1. Tel.: 08 38232862 IDECAF: 31 Thái Văn Lung, Quận 1. Tel.: 08 38295451 Media Contact: Ms Vien Ngoc Bich - Press, Cultural and Public Affairs - EU Delegation, telephone: 84-4-3 9 41 0099 (ext: 8 224) or email: bich.vien@eeas.europa.eu Source: European Music Festival in Vietnam