v This is an occasion for activities that bring Europe closer to its citizens and strengthen the many bonds that Europe has established with nations around the world, including Vietnam.
Speaking at a press conference about the programme, Ambassador – Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam Dr Franz Jessen said, “This year, the EU and Vietnam celebrate the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations. During the last 25 years, the relation has developed comprehensively and vividly. Beyond traditional political, trade and economic and development ties, public diplomacy exchanges play a vital role in bringing the EU closer Vietnamese citizens. The Europe Days programme is the finest example of public diplomacy. I am so delighted to see increasing public attention every year and expect to continue this trend this year."
EU has become one of Vietnam's largest trading partners and investors. Throughout 2015, the European Union (EU) and Vietnam are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The celebration will culminate with the conclusion of the negotiations of a comprehensive and ambitious bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), an important milestone in the commercial, economic and investment links between Vietnam and the European Union.
Highlights of the “Europe Days 2015” programme in Vietnam include many special programmes.
A prominent event is the Europe Day concert by The Red Sock Brass Quintet from Germany. The brass ensemble has a wide-ranging repertoire, reaching from old masters such as Bach or Handel to American composers of the 20th century, from jazz to Argentine Tango. The special composition of the ensemble with five brass instruments promises an impressive sound and more promisingly, can now be heard in a joint performance with traditional Vietnamese instruments of the bamboo ensemble “Suc Song Moi” (New Vitality), directed by Dong Quang Vinh.
Besides, the breath-taking scene of the “Europe Days 2015” is a laser performance in Hanoi. The laser light show, using the modern art projection, promises to treat your eyes to an unforgettable entertaining experience on the evening of the 8th of May, 2015. The show flies you to Europe, through typical European architectures and immerse viewers in impressive beams of European images as well as symbols of the relation between the European Union and Vietnam.
The diversity of European cultural traditions will manifest itself in the four-dayEuropean Literature event in Hanoi, organised by the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC), presenting literature from Europe for the fifth time in Hanoi. Readings and workshops will draw out visitor's enthusiasm along with live-drawing events and short movies. From crime novels up to short stories and graphic novels there is something for everyone at every age.
The European Food Festival will feature some of the most famous hotels and restaurants in Hanoi that will serve their take on the European kitchen, creating a wealth of food through the creations of their different talented chefs. The festival further promises the visitors a great cultural journey through cuisines of Europe, with a selection of some of the wonderful dishes that have made Europe world famous for its culinary diversity.
At the Goethe-Institut, a Special Exhibition will be held from 10 to 31 May to present selected illustrations of the award-winning German graphic artist Reinhard Kleist. The exhibition shows extracts and illustrations from six of his graphic novels, including two illustrations from his so far unpublished biography about the singer Nick Cave.
Remarkably, theEuropean Film Festivalpromises to delight Vietnamese spectators with an inspiring 13 films, presenting a variety of enchanting works by European film makers. The Festival will officially kick off in Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City on 15 May, 16 May and 17 May respectively.
Top winners of the Writing Contest entitled "What impresses you most about Europe, write it down and win a return ticket to Brussels" will be announced at a special prize award ceremony. The contest, running from late January to early May, is an initiative of the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam to promote mutual understanding, and particularly to raise the awareness of the Vietnamese young generation about the EU's presence in the country.
A Film Concert, in which Ad van Dongen (composer/sound designer) and Do Kien Cuong (composer/conductor) restage the German classic silent film Nosferatu, approaching the film in a new way to exploit musically the full potential of the story will complete the array of the Europe Days 2015 programme.
Thu Ha
Vietnamese
