Hanoi (VNA) - The National Traditional Musical Instrument Soloand Orchestra Competition 2020 are taking place from September 18 to October 2in five provinces and cities across the country.

Co-organised by the Department of Performing Arts and the Vietnam Musicians'Association, the contest saw the registration of 650 contestants and 35 artgroups across the country.

However, due to the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, in orderto ensure the safety of epidemic prevention measures, the Ministry of Culture,Sports and Tourism decided to hold the contest in five provinces and cities,including Buon Ma Thuot city (Dak Lak province) from September 18-19; Ho ChiMinh City from September 21-23; Thanh Hoa city (Thanh Hoa province) from September25-26; Vinh Yen city (Vinh Phuc province) on September 28; and Hanoi from September30 to October 2.

In addition, the contest is broadcast live on Youtube for the first time.

The contest is open to all groups of artists or individuals who teach orperform traditional musical instruments at public and non-public art clubs andart training institutions nationwide.

The judges include talented musicians, artists, art researchers and managerswho have made contributions to the development of performing arts, especiallyregarding traditional music instruments.

It aims to honour, preserve and promote the value of music and traditionalinstruments, thus contributing to enriching Vietnamese culture.

The competition also offers a chance for participants to meet and learn fromothers’ experience./.