To commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the Liberation of Hanoi (October 10, 1954 - October 10, 2026), Dang Ngoc Anh, the winner of the Hanoi Singing Contest 2024, officially launches her debut music project, including the CD "Sending Autumn Behind" and the music video for the song "After Days of Long-Distance Love."
Under the direct artistic direction of Dr.-singer Nguyen Khanh Ly, combined with compositions and arrangements by musicians Tran Manh Hung, Duong Truong Giang, Huyen Trung, Manh Cuong, and Tuan Anh, the project is a gift to Hanoi , while also affirming the courage of a 22-year-old singer who dares to venture into the world of classical music.
Before winning first prize in the Chamber Music category of the Hanoi Singing Contest 2024, she won the Gold Cup at the Asia Arts Festival 2024 in Singapore . Emerging from the competition with a strong springboard, instead of opting for the safe option of releasing a digital single or pursuing popular pop music, Ngoc Anh decided to invest in producing a physical album and an elaborately staged chamber symphony music video.
Sharing her thoughts on this decision, Dang Ngoc Anh confided: “From the beginning, I knew this was a rather big project for a young singer, especially since I was still learning and improving myself. But if I waited until I felt good enough or mature enough to start, I probably would never have the perfect moment. Awards are a milestone, not a destination. Instead of trying to surpass the shadow of the award, I chose to step out of that shadow with new products.”
The album "Leaving Autumn Behind" comprises 8 carefully selected works: "Remembering Hanoi" (Hoang Hiep), "Hanoi on a Winter Night" (Hoang Phuc Thang), "October Emotions" (Nguyen Thanh-Ta Huu Yen), "When the City Lights Up" (Thai Co), "Heading Towards Hanoi" (Hoang Duong), "Hanoi Song" (Vu Thanh), "Hoan Kiem" (Giang Son-Nguyen Vinh Tien) and "After Days of Long-Distance Love" (Tran Manh Hung-Ha Quang Minh).
Speaking about the meaning of the album's title, Ngoc Anh shared: "For me, Autumn is not just a season of the year, but also connected to Hanoi, to the beautiful memories throughout the capital's history and to a period of my own growth. 'Leaving Autumn Behind' is like a message to preserve the beautiful emotions of youth and of Hanoi."
The highlight of the entire project is the music video "After Days of Long-Distance Love," a chamber symphony composed by musician Tran Manh Hung (including the accompaniment) based on lyrics by Ha Quang Minh. The work depicts a romantic and delicate love story of the new generation in Hanoi during a time of peace and development, set against a backdrop of elegant symphonic music.
For Dang Ngoc Anh, the most memorable experience while making music videos was the feeling of having to step out of her comfort zone.
"On stage, I'm used to focusing on my vocals, but in music videos, everything has to be told through visuals, eye contact, and expressions. There were scenes that had to be reshot just because a glance wasn't quite right or didn't match my co-star's. That experience helped me understand that creating a music product means knowing how to tell a story in many different languages," the singer shared.
Composer Tran Manh Hung expressed his admiration for Ngoc Anh's beautiful voice, distinct personality, good musical taste, perseverance in overcoming challenges, and her courage to break free from the confines of traditional chamber music.
Composer Duong Truong Giang, who arranged the song "Heading Towards Hanoi," commented that Ngoc Anh possesses a naturally beautiful, bright, and emotionally rich voice, along with a serious and responsible work ethic towards each note. He believes that the combination of a solid professional foundation and a daring spirit will be a springboard to help her go very far on her professional artistic path.
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/dang-ngoc-anh-mung-ngay-giai-phong-thu-do-bang-du-an-am-nhac-gui-mua-thu-o-lai-post1140394.vnp
