Speaking with the People’s Army Newspaper, Senior Colonel, Meritorious Artist Dao Quang Tien, Deputy Head of the Military Ceremonial Troupe in charge of musical affairs, said the unusual performance setting would offer passengers a memorable experience while helping spread patriotism and national pride on the country’s major holiday.
Military troupe to perform at 10,000 meters for first time
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Senior Colonel, Meritorious Artist Dao Quang Tien |
Discussing the purpose and significance of the program, Senior Colonel Dao Quang Tien said the troupe took on the assignment at the proposal of Vietnam Airlines and with approval from leaders of the Ministry of National Defense and the General Staff, in line with its role in supporting major political events of the country and the military.
A highlight of the program will be performances of works celebrating the homeland and the country at an altitude of 10,000 meters. It will be the first time the Military Ceremonial Troupe has performed in such an unusual setting.
Senior Colonel Dao Quang Tien expressed his hope that, with thorough preparations, the unit would successfully fulfill the meaningful mission and help inspire national pride under the theme “Proud Echoes - Taking Viet Nam to New Heights.”
On preparations for the special mission, he said the unit began work immediately after receiving the assignment, selecting personnel and songs while coordinating with Vietnam Airlines to finalize the plan. The troupe then stepped up rehearsals in the spirit of National Day, and reviewed the results to make final adjustments for the performance.
Given the limited space inside the aircraft cabin, the Military Ceremonial Troupe has worked closely with its partner to carefully arrange the performance formation. Detailed plans have also been developed to ensure optimal sound quality and allow the artists to fully convey the spirit of the works to passengers.
Spreading patriotism and inspiring national pride
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The Military Ceremonial Troupe prepares for its performance aboard a Vietnam Airlines flight marking the National Day (September 2). |
Speaking about the repertoire, Senior Colonel Dao Quang Tien said the program would include songs such as “Full Joy for the Country” (Dat nuoc tron niem vui), “Great Circle of Vietnam” (Mot vong Viet Nam) and “As if Uncle Ho Were Here on the Great Day of Victory” (Nhu co Bac trong ngay vui dai thang). The pieces were selected for their ability to evoke national spirit on the important holiday.
He said performing for a large number of passengers aboard a flight was a great honor and an opportunity to help spread the enduring spirit of National Day.
In recent years, the unit had recently taken part in major national events, including the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, the 50th anniversary of the South Liberation and National Reunification Day, and the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day.
Performing at an altitude of 10,000 meters, he said, would be both a pride and a new challenge for the officers and artists. Through careful preparation and rigorous rehearsals, the troupe has gradually adapted to the special conditions and gained experience.
The troupe’s deputy head also recalled a special mission in 2026, when the unit for the first time brought artistic performances to troops and residents in the Truong Sa archipelago and on DK1 platforms. The trip left a lasting impression and reflected the shared commitment toward the country’s sacred sea and islands.
Drawing on those experiences, the soldier-artists have become increasingly aware of their responsibility to bring music to troops and people everywhere and under all conditions. Senior Colonel Dao Quang Tien expressed his hope that the performance aboard the flight would leave memorable impressions, and further strengthen patriotism and national pride.
Translated by Minh Anh