More than 500 children competed in 100 performances of folk songs and children’s music at the 4^th Nightingale Melody Contest.

Improvisation added new vitality to popular songs like “The bamboo trees at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum”, “Beloved Truong Sa”, and “The nightingale’s tune”.

"This year’s contest drew a huge participation of children across Vietnam who brought along colorful and well-prepared performances. This reflects the contest’s rising prestige," said musician Doan Nguyen, Deputy Director of the VOV Theater.

40 best performances were selected to move onto the final round, including those sponsored by the Vinh Long Television and Broadcasting Station.

"We have been a frequent participant in this contest for years. This is a great opportunity for children to sing, show off their talents, and learn from their peers. It’s also an opportunity to visit Hanoi and learn more about Vietnam’s capital city," Pham The Hung, who headed the Vinh Long Television and Broadcasting Station’s delegation to the contest, told VOV. 

"The children are super-excited about the contest. An event like this nurtures and improves their singing and performing talents through exchanges with peers from across Vietnam," said Hoang Anh Tuan from Thai Nguyen province’s Children’s House.

15 gold, 17 silver, and 8 bronze awards were presented for the best solo and group performances. A special prize for promising talent was given to Nguyen Dang Quang Huy of Hai Duong province’s Children’s House for a performance called “The Vietnamese language”.

"Over the past 6 decades, VOV has presented many musical works composed for young talents through diverse music shows. Our shows have become a part of the childhood memories of generations of Vietnamese children. This year’s Nightingale Melody Contest was a great success. I would like to congratulate all participants for their enthusiasm and beautiful performances," said VOV President Nguyen The Ky. 

Beginning next year, the contest will be held annually instead of once every two years.