When mentioning composer Giang Son, people not only recall her deeply emotional songs but also feel the special love she has for Tet in Hanoi. For Giang Son, Tet is more than just the transition from old to new year; it’s a time to cherish beautiful memories, hopes, and ambitious plans.
New Year’s Eve in Hanoi: A Moment Not to Be Missed
During the final days of the year, composer Giang Son maintains the tradition of welcoming New Year’s Eve by watching fireworks, even if the location has changed since her university days. She shares that, as a student, she and her friends would often ride bicycles for 10km from home to Hoan Kiem Lake to immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere of the night.
“Those were the most exciting moments, witnessing the dazzling fireworks at the lake, visiting Ba Da Temple, picking lucky bamboo leaves, buying salt and rice, and enjoying a steaming bowl of snail soup at midnight,” Giang Son recalls with enthusiasm.
Composer Giang Son always enjoys the lively atmosphere of traditional Tet markets (Photo: Provided by the artist).
Nowadays, though no longer riding bicycles to the lake, Giang Son continues the tradition of watching fireworks near her home, such as at My Dinh Stadium. For her, this is a way to recreate the familiar image of Hanoi during each Tet celebration.
Childhood Tet: Simple Memories Full of Meaning
Recalling Tet during her childhood, composer Giang Son can’t hide her emotion. Her early years were marked by hardship, with many necessities lacking. Thus, Tet became the most anticipated moment, when the family could enjoy chicken meat, new clothes, and sticky rice cakes.
One of her most memorable experiences was the small sticky rice cake her mother made especially for her. “I proudly showed it off to my friends. Though tiny, it held all my mother’s love,” the composer shared.
On the 30th day of the lunar year, despite her father working until the last minute, he always took time to dress neatly and pay respects at the ancestral altar. Everyday meals became special during Tet, imbued with the happiness of family reunion.
Composer Giang Son in a Tet flower market visit (Photo: Provided by the artist).
Tet 2025: Busy Yet Filled with Joy
The year 2025 marks a significant milestone in Giang Son’s career as she prepares for her Giấc mơ Sol live concert—a 40-year music anniversary celebration. The concert will take place on February 15 (the 18th day of the first lunar month) and will attract 2,200 audience members at the outdoor stage of Park City Hanoi.
As a result, Tet this year is both a time of rest with family and a period of intense preparation for the concert. Giang Son is constantly coordinating with the production team, musical director Luu Ha An, stage director Xuan Truong, and renowned artists like Thanh Lam, Tung Duong, Ha Tran, Khanh Linh, Hoang Dung, and Thuy Chi.
“I’m so focused on the concert that I haven’t dared to leave Hanoi,” Giang Son confides.
In 2025, Giang Son celebrates Tet with a mix of pressure and excitement (Photo: Provided by the artist).
Conclusion: Tet—Where Past and Present Meet
For composer Giang Son, Tet is more than the transition between old and new years; it’s an opportunity to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. From simple childhood memories to ambitious career goals, Tet has always been an endless source of inspiration for her musical compositions.
Join the Giấc mơ Sol live concert to fully experience Giang Son’s colorful 40-year musical journey!
References:
- dantri.com.vn
- Biography of Composer Giang Son (Source: Vietnam Musicians Association).
