New Year’s Eve with Hai Phong’s art program
Meticulously staged in two chapters, ‘Hai Phong Welcomes the Spring of the Horse 2026’ was not only a New Year’s Eve artistic celebration but also a performance that evoked the city’s rich traditions and its aspiration to rise and thrive.
A flow from memory to aspiration
The program is structured into two chapters: Chapter I – “Spring Convergence – Forever Echoing Pride” and Chapter II – “Tet in Hai Phong – Radiant with Confidence.” This structure creates a seamless emotional flow, moving from historical depth to contemporary vibrancy, from reflective gratitude to an energetic and explosive expression of faith at the turning of the year.
In Chapter I, the artistic space leans toward traditional depth, evoking memories of revolutionary springs, the spring of national reunification, and the enduring spirit of Loyal and Determined to Win that defines the Port City. Timeless songs are carefully selected as emotional anchors, reminding audiences of their roots and nurturing a sense of pride.
Meanwhile, Chapter II shifts to a more youthful and modern spirit, portraying a dynamic and internationally integrated Hai Phong that is rising strongly in a new era of development. The interplay between generations of artists creates a natural bridge between memory and the present, between cherished traditions and aspirations for the future.
The novelty of this year’s program does not lie in the sheer number of performances, but in a comprehensive creative refresh. Musician Le Anh Thuy, a member of the production team, shared: “We are not simply re-performing timeless songs; we are re-arranging them with a renewed spirit.”
Accordingly, familiar compositions retain their original melodies and core essence, while the orchestration has been expanded to create a broader sonic space, with richer vocal harmonies and adjusted tempos to suit a large outdoor square stage and contemporary audience tastes.
While the lyrical melodies remain intact, the musical arrangements are enhanced with additional vocal layers and livelier rhythms to match the scale of the venue. Some songs are reimagined with light rock elements, generating a stronger and more dynamic beat that reflects the bold character of Hai Phong. This creative renewal does not alter the original value of the works; rather, it aims to “extend the emotional lifespan” of the music, enabling younger audiences to approach traditional songs in a more accessible and modern form.
From another perspective, People’s Artist Khanh Hoa, who performed the song “Hai Phong – My Childhood,” shared that she viewed her performance as “a necessary pause” amid the vast open-square setting. In her view, at the moment of New Year’s Eve, audiences need not only vibrant excitement but also quiet moments to reflect on their hometown, family, and childhood memories. “Singing about Hai Phong on New Year’s Eve means singing with all the affection of a daughter devoted to her city,” she expressed.
It was precisely this balance between emotional depth and youthful energy that created a harmonious symphony for the entire program, fitting the setting of the Political–Administrative Center — a symbol of Hai Phong’s new urban stature.
A message of confidence and aspiration
The year 2025 marked an important turning point as Hai Phong expanded its development space starting from July 1, 2025. Entering 2026, the city stands before a significant opportunity to accelerate growth, deepen integration, and pursue sustainable development.
At the final rehearsal on the evening of February 14, Mr. Le Ngoc Chau, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee, and Chairman of the City People’s Committee, emphasized that the event is not merely a New Year’s Eve art program but also a political and cultural occasion of special significance, held for the first time at the city’s new symbolic venue. Therefore, the content must be thoroughly prepared to appeal to diverse audiences.
The Chairman of the City People’s Committee requested further refinement of the two-part structure to ensure it remains both reflective and profound, while also vibrant and energetic, radiating the positive momentum and upward aspirations of the Port City. The lighting system must achieve sufficient brightness with clearly defined climactic moments, while LED screen visuals should vividly showcase Hai Phong’s contemporary urban landscape. The narration is to be revised in a more concise and politically resonant style, highlighting the city’s stature and development ambitions.
Regarding organization, the Chairman of the City People’s Committee requested synchronized lighting for the entire exterior area of the Political–Administrative Center building; the development of plans to ensure security and public order, preventing vehicle stopping or parking on the bridge; and the arrangement of free parking areas to provide maximum convenience for residents. Soft barriers in the audience area were thoughtfully installed to ensure safety without creating a sense of separation.
According to the city’s top leader, the choice of the square at the Political–Administrative Center was not merely a decision about venue, but a symbolic declaration of a modern, dynamic, and aspiration-driven Hai Phong.
“Hai Phong Welcomes the Spring of the Horse 2026” is therefore more than just a New Year’s Eve entertainment program. It is a musical manifesto of the courage, identity, and aspirations of the Red Flamboyant City in a new era of development — a place where the past is honored, the present is shaped, and the future is illuminated by steadfast confidence.
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