Watch Vietnam Symphony

Vietnam Symphony is a documentary series produced by Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that delves into the hidden musical heritage of Vietnam. Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Vietnam, the series reveals how music has played a crucial role in the country’s history, from the era of French colonialism to the Vietnam War, and to the present day.

The series is presented by Vietnamese-American musician, Tran Quang Hai, who is on a mission to uncover the musical traditions of his homeland. Born in Vietnam in 1944, Tran Quang Hai was forced to flee the country at the age of 18 due to political turmoil. He has since become a world-renowned musician, specializing in the traditional music of Vietnam, China, and Mongolia. Tran Quang Hai guides viewers through the series, as he travels across Vietnam, collecting stories and meeting musicians from various ethnic groups.

The first episode, titled “A Symphony for Hanoi,” explores the role of music in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi. The episode begins with a performance by the Hanoi Philharmonic Orchestra, led by conductor Honna Tetsuji. Tran Quang Hai meets with members of the orchestra, who explain how they are preserving the European classical music tradition in Vietnam. The episode also features the performance of a Vietnamese symphony composed by Nguyen Thien Dao, a French-Vietnamese composer.

The second episode, “The Soundtrack of War,” takes viewers on a journey through the music scenes of Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An, three cities that were heavily affected by the Vietnam War. The episode features interviews with musicians who lived through the war, who share their memories of how music helped them survive during the conflict. The episode also explores how the music of the United States affected Vietnamese culture during and after the war, featuring interviews with Vietnamese musicians who have embraced American rock, jazz, and pop music.

The third episode, “Rhythm of the Highlands,” takes viewers to the remote highlands of Vietnam, where traditional music is still alive and well. Tran Quang Hai meets with musicians from ethnic minority groups, who perform on traditional instruments like bamboo flutes, gongs, and xylophones. The episode explores how these traditional instruments are part of a living culture that has survived for centuries. The episode also features interviews with young musicians who are trying to preserve these traditions while also making them relevant to modern audiences.

The fourth and final episode, “Music of the Future,” takes a look at the emerging music scenes of Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam. The episode features interviews with young musicians who are blending traditional Vietnamese music with modern genres like hip-hop, electronica, and metal. Tran Quang Hai also meets with music industry insiders who discuss the challenges facing musicians in Vietnam today, including censorship and lack of resources.

One of the strengths of Vietnam Symphony is its ability to show how traditional music and modern music can coexist and even merge in interesting ways. The series provides a unique perspective on Vietnam’s musical traditions, as seen through the eyes of its people. Through its four episodes, viewers gain a greater understanding of how music has shaped the Vietnamese identity over time, and how it continues to do so today.

Overall, Vietnam Symphony is a must-see documentary series for music lovers and anyone interested in Vietnamese culture. The series is beautifully shot, with stunning scenery and a rich soundtrack of traditional and modern music. Through its engaging stories and informative interviews, Vietnam Symphony offers a unique insight into a hidden musical landscape that is rarely seen by outsiders.