Nurturing talent for the City of Music
Nearly 500 contestants aged 5 to 18 participated in the Hai Phong Piano Talent Competition 2026, highlighting the vitality and growing appeal of classical music education and performance in the Port City.
A platform for young classical music talents
In the final days of May, the atmosphere at the Viet Tiep Friendship Labour Cultural Palace became especially vibrant with the sound of pianos resonating from the competition rooms. Contestants from Hai Phong and many other provinces and cities across Vietnam gathered at the Hai Phong Piano Talent Competition 2026, bringing with them a passion for music and youthful artistic aspirations.
The competition was jointly organized by the Hai Phong Union of Literature and Arts Associations and Nguyen Duy Arts and Musical Instruments Co., Ltd.. It was open to students aged 5 to 18 who are studying piano at schools, arts centers, clubs, and private studios. Following an online preliminary round held from March to mid-May, the most outstanding contestants advanced to the semifinal round, which took place on May 30 and 31.
On stage, each contestant performed a piece or a selection of works with a maximum duration of seven minutes, representing classical, Romantic, or Impressionist styles. Despite their young age, many participants demonstrated remarkable confidence, strong musical sensitivity, and impressive performance techniques.
According to Bui Phuc Lam from Dong Hai Ward, Hai Phong, who began studying piano at the age of seven, participating in the competition was not only about achieving results but also about meeting peers who share the same passion and gaining valuable experience to improve performance skills.
Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan from Tran Nhan Tong Ward, Hai Phong, shared that the competition provided an opportunity to test her abilities in a professional environment after a long period of preparation and practice. For her, every appearance on stage is a chance to develop resilience and confidence, helping her move forward on her musical journey.
These simple yet heartfelt reflections highlight a positive trend: an increasing number of families are recognizing the value of arts education, while more students are choosing music as a means of developing their thinking, emotional intelligence, and life skills.
Competitions such as this serve not only as a platform for contestants to showcase their abilities but also as an environment that nurtures passion, stimulates creativity, and encourages a spirit of continuous learning. From an educational perspective, they provide teachers and arts centers with an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of their training programs while helping students become accustomed to performance pressure and real-stage experiences. Every appearance on stage is a valuable opportunity for young musicians to gain experience and grow on their artistic journey.
Sowing the seeds for the future
Resolution No. 80of the Politburo and Resolution No. 05 of the Hai Phong Party Committee identify culture as an intrinsic resource and a driving force for development. Under these strategic directions, Hai Phong aims to become a “City of Music” and gradually join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of music by 2045.
To achieve this vision, the city needs not only major artistic programs and modern cultural infrastructure, but also a new generation of young artists and a community of music-loving audiences. Competitions such as the Hai Phong Piano Talent Competition play an important role in building this foundation.
This year’s judging panel brought together many distinguished artists and educators, including pianists Luu Duc Anh, Tran Viet Bao, conductor Nguyen Phu Son, pianist Luu Hong Quang, and other leading music education experts. Their participation not only ensured the competition’s professional standards but also inspired the young contestants.
According to Tran Viet Bao, a lecturer at the Piano Faculty of the Vietnam National Academy of Music, many contestants demonstrated strong technical foundations this year, reflecting the serious commitment of both their families and training institutions. Competitions play a vital role in identifying talent, motivating students to pursue their studies, and providing direction for the development of promising young musicians.
