East meets West in between the strings concert in Hanoi
The performance offers a rare musical experience for both local and international audiences, bridging cultures through a shared language of sound.
THE HANOI TIMES — A unique musical encounter will take place on August 5 at Manzi Art Space, where Vietnamese dan bau artist Ngo Tra My and Swedish violinist Mats Edén come together for "Between the Strings", an evening of cross-cultural soundscapes blending Vietnamese and Nordic folk traditions.
Ngo Tra My, a dan bau teacher and soloist from Vietnam, is renowned for her expertise in traditional and new music.
At the heart of the performance are two iconic instruments: Vietnam’s dan bau , a one-stringed monochord known for its voice-like, expressive tone; and the violin, a symbol of Western classical and folk music, versatile in both lyrical beauty and emotional depth.
Though differing in form and sound, both instruments serve as cultural storytellers, bridging worlds through music.
Meanwhile, Mats Edén is one of Sweden’s most respected folk musicians, brings to Hanoi decades of experience as a composer, violinist, and melodeon player.
As a founding member of the renowned folk ensemble Groupa, Edén is known for blending traditional Nordic melodies with contemporary techniques. His violin playing, at once rugged and refined, draws from the musical heritage of Värmland and Norway, reflecting both landscape and legacy.
Meanwhile, Ngo Tra My, a leading figure in Vietnam’s traditional and experimental music scene, is known for her deep understanding of the dan bau’s delicate timbre. She has performed internationally and is a dedicated researcher and educator at the Vietnam National Academy of Music.
Together, the artists invite audiences to experience a conversation between two musical worlds, East and West, old and new woven from the strings of tradition and innovation.
The performance opens for free entry with limited seating. Those interested can register at this link .
