Vietnam’s cultural landscape is poised for a remarkable autumn, as two major musical events—one celebrating Vietnamese heritage and jazz, the other spotlighting the ancient artistry of Iranian music—promise to bridge generations and continents through the universal language of sound. These initiatives, organized by GG Corporation and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities respectively, are not only about performances but also about honoring the past, inspiring the present, and forging new connections for the future.
GG Corporation has officially launched the Living Heritage project, an ambitious effort designed to honor the spiritual, cultural, and intellectual values nurtured by outstanding Vietnamese individuals worldwide. According to Nguoi Lao Dong, the project is envisioned as a living archive and a dynamic space for intergenerational connection, aiming to inspire a refined, kind, and resilient way of life. As Lưu Bảo Hương, Chairwoman of GG Corporation, explained, “Living Heritage is an invaluable source of knowledge to pass on and motivate contributions, building a better future and aiming for a more sustainable and happier society.”
Living Heritage is multifaceted. Its digital home, www.livingheritage.vn, serves as a repository for self-learning resources and in-depth profiles of inspirational figures. The project also includes the forthcoming e-book, Living Heritage – The Universal Within, set to debut at an exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City in November 2025 and to be released globally on Amazon in both English and Vietnamese. Yet, perhaps the most anticipated element this year is the annual art event: Jazz Concert – IMMERSED, taking place on November 15, 2025, at GEM Center, Ho Chi Minh City.
This concert is no ordinary gathering. Designed to be an immersive experience inspired by the concept of “Organic Flow,” the program is structured as a continuous cycle of music and emotion, inviting the audience to lose themselves in sound and feeling. At the center of this musical journey stands Sir Niels Lan Doky, the Danish-Vietnamese jazz pianist celebrated as a pioneer of modern European jazz. He is joined by a stellar trio—Felix Pastorius on bass from the United States and Jonas Johansen on drums from Denmark—alongside celebrated Vietnamese artists like NSND Thanh Lam, singer Hà Trần, and saxophonist Quyền Thiện Đắc.
Sir Niels Lan Doky’s return to Vietnam after nearly two decades is laden with significance. As Nguoi Lao Dong reports, he is renowned for his performances at legendary venues such as Carnegie Hall and Royal Albert Hall, and was knighted by the Queen of Denmark in 2010 for his exceptional contributions to international music. The Japanese press has called him “the outstanding artist of his generation,” while Spain’s El Diario described him as “one of the most important pianists of the past half-century.” His presence at IMMERSED is not only a homecoming but also a cultural milestone, symbolizing the fusion of global jazz with Vietnamese roots.
The concert’s creative vision is shaped by an elite team. Director Phạm Hoàng Nam views the stage as “a place to tell stories,” emphasizing that a world-class performance must blend professional organization and international technical standards with the art of evoking emotion. “Jazz Concert – IMMERSED is the intersection of two creative inspirations: international musical thinking and indigenous melodies and soul. It’s a ‘musical marriage’ that, though seemingly forced, feels natural and produces unique, impressive works of fusion,” he explained.
Musical director and pianist Quốc Trung collaborates with Niels Lan Doky to weave traditional Vietnamese music elements into the fabric of contemporary global sounds. This partnership, combined with the talents of both international and Vietnamese performers, promises a night of dynamic, boundary-crossing artistry. Attendees will not just witness a concert—they’ll become part of the Living Heritage journey, contributing to the preservation and spread of modern Vietnamese cultural values: excellence, humanity, and sustainability.
Meanwhile, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities is preparing to host a different kind of cultural dialogue. On October 13, 2025, at 9:00 AM, the university’s 8th-floor auditorium will resonate with the sounds of traditional Iranian music, performed live by the acclaimed ensemble Sar Afshan. This event seeks to introduce the Vietnamese public to the refined beauty of Iranian musical traditions and to strengthen the cultural ties between two ancient civilizations, Iran and Vietnam.
Sar Afshan, a group of seasoned artists, brings a wealth of accolades to the stage, having performed at prestigious events such as Iran’s Fajr International Music Festival, national television programs, the Caspi Festival in Kazakhstan, and cultural exchanges in Uzbekistan. The ensemble’s lineup includes Reza Hosseinzadeh (group leader and Tombak player), Iman Rostamian (vocalist and player of violin and Kamancheh), Roozbeh Akbarian (Tar and Oud), Fatemeh Abdollahi (Qanun), and Fatemeh Sharifi (Daf).
As described by the event organizers, traditional Iranian music is more than mere entertainment. It is “a reflection of the glorious history, refined artistic beauty, and long-standing cultural tradition of Iranian civilization.” The music represents not only the heritage of Eastern civilization but also serves as a precious gem in the world’s cultural treasury, carrying messages of inner peace, spiritual passion, cultural exchange, understanding, and friendship. The upcoming concert offers Vietnamese audiences a rare opportunity to experience this deep cultural connection firsthand.
Both events—though distinct in musical style and cultural origin—share a common purpose: to foster cultural appreciation, dialogue, and the transmission of intangible heritage. The Sar Afshan concert, in particular, is seen as a bridge for mutual understanding and friendship, echoing the aspirations of its organizers for increased cooperation and media support. “The organizing committee expresses gratitude and hopes for cooperation and media promotion,” they stated, underlining the importance of collaborative efforts in cultural diplomacy.
Together, these initiatives highlight Vietnam’s growing role as a crossroads of cultural exchange, where local traditions are celebrated even as the nation opens its doors to global influences. The Living Heritage project and the Sar Afshan concert both invite audiences to embark on journeys—one inward, exploring the depths of personal and national identity through jazz and Vietnamese artistry; the other outward, discovering the beauty and wisdom of a distant civilization through the evocative strains of Iranian music.
As autumn unfolds, these musical gatherings promise not only unforgettable performances but also lasting inspiration, reminding all who attend that heritage is not a relic of the past, but a living force—ever evolving, ever connecting, and ever worth celebrating.
