International Festival "Europe-Asia" is held in Vietnam

The history of the world-famous International Festival of New Music "Europe-Asia" counts more than 20 years. Traditionally, it is held every two years in the capital of Tatarstan, Kazan. During its existence the festival has hosted 45 countries.

Guest of the past 2013 the festival "Europe-Asia" for the second time was chairman of the Association of Composers of  Vietnam  Hong Quan. Along with him, a  representative of the Ministry of Culture of Vietnam arrived. Then, after serious negotiations, it has been decided to hold the festival "Europe-Asia" -2014 in Vietnam. The main organizer became the Vietnam Association of Composers.

This idea was supported by the Government, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and personally by President of Vietnam.

However, the organizers have made adjustments to the very name of the festival - "Asia-Europe", thereby defining geographical priorities of the participants of the festival.

Artistic director and director of the festival, "Europe-Asia" Rashid Kalimullin spoke as ​​an honorary member of the organizing committee. Specially for the opening of the festival, he was commissioned to write an  overture "Ho Chi Minh." By sounds of the music on October 8, the festival in Vietnam has opened.

Opening ceremony of "Asia-Europe" was held at the Hanoi Opera House. And in the afternoon, at its residence, organizers and guests met with President of Vietnam Truong Tan Sang. The President warmly welcomed the guests and noted the great contribution to the development of the organizers of the cultural relations of Vietnam, as well as to the strengthening of solidarity between peoples. Rashid Kalimullin in his welcoming speech said: "I hope that the festival in Hanoi, would   put down roots and become one of the jewels of musical culture and art of Vietnam."

Festival "Asia-Europe" has been attended by about 200 musicians, composers from more than 30 countries. Mainly, these are representatives of Asian countries, New Zealand and Australia.

The festival concerts were held in Hanoi, also in a unique place - an ecological reserve, UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered one of the Wonders of the World - Halong Bay, according to the RT Union of Composers.