The press conference at VOV’s headquarters in Hanoi on October 29, 2021 (Photo: Anh Huyen)

At a press conference in Hanoi on Friday, organizers said the contest aims to celebrate the success of the 13th National Party Congress, publicize Vietnam and its people, and praise the country’s achievements.

It is the biggest ever songwriting contest open to both professional and amateur Vietnamese composers in and outside the nation and foreigners, who want to express their love for Vietnam.

Meritorious artist, musician Doan Truong Nguyen, Director of VOV’s Music Department, said the entries focus on praising the Communist Party of Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh, and the image of Vietnam and its people.

Many songs have also expressed gratitude for frontline forces in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, said Nguyen, adding, “The campaign has been successful in regards to the quantity and quality of entries.”

“We’ve received lots of works from the US, Scotland, Germany, and Australia. In particular, there are entries by foreign musicians including those from Spain, France, and Mongolia. The song by the Mongolian musician has been selected by the Ministry of Culture of Mongolia and has  received high praise from the jury. The work is meticulously arranged, proving the respect of international friends for Vietnam, its people, and VOV,” Nguyen explained.

Since the competition was launched in early February, nearly 900 songs have been sent to the organizing board.