The event had the presence of Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu, Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Can Tho City Party Committee; Mr. Do Van Phon, Deputy Head of Party Central Committee's Commission for Mass Mobilisation; and Mr. Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism; Mr. Nguyen Thuc Hien, Vice Chairman of the Can Tho City People's Committee, as well as representatives from art units nationwide and a large audience passionate about the art of reformed opera.

This year's National Cai Luong Festival attracted nearly 1,500 artists and performers from 30 private and State-owned traditional art troupes and theatres nationwide. The artists offer 34 shows featuring Cai Luong, a traditional art form originating from the South over 100 years ago. The festival provided an excellent opportunity for cultural management agencies and leaders of these art units to discover promising young talent. As a result, this can help plan training and development that aligns with the country’s traditional art forms.

The event also allowed artists passionate about their craft to express themselves and contribute to the field. It featured seasoned veterans and emerging young actors who brought fresh perspectives to Cai Luong art. Ultimately, the festival is crucial in preserving and promoting this valuable traditional art form.

Mr. Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, spoke at the festival.

At the festival's opening ceremony, Mr. Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, stated that the Cai Luong has been established and developed for over 100 years, making it one of the nation's unique traditional art forms. He emphasized that inheriting the essence of conventional art to create new values is crucial for preserving and promoting the national heritage of Cai Luong. Moreover, this is considered a vital responsibility of the performing arts industry in the ongoing effort to build and advance Vietnamese culture.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu, Secretary of the Can Tho City Party Committee, and Mr. Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, presented flowers to the festival's Jury.

Mr. Nguyen Thuc Hien, Vice Chairman of the Can Tho City People's Committee, emphasized that Cai Luong is deeply intertwined with the spiritual and cultural life of the Southern people and is a point of pride for many generations across the country. Can Tho, along with other provinces and cities, is recognized as one of the cradles of Don Ca Tai Tu and Cai Luong. It is also the birthplace of many renowned composers and artists, including the late composer Moc Quan - Nguyen Trong Quyen, celebrated as the founder of Southern Cai Luong art. He bequeathed a rich legacy of valuable artistic works, including the pieces "Phung Nghi Dinh," "Giot Mau Chung Tinh," and "Hoa Moc Lan tong quan."

Mr. Nguyen Thuc Hien, Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee, and People's Artist Tran Ly Ly, Acting Director of the Department of Performing Arts, presented gifts to the art troupes.

“This festival serves as a platform for Can Tho City to showcase and promote the beauty of its land and people. It highlights historical and cultural relics, distinctive architectural works, and renowned tourist attractions, including the Temple of Hung Kings, Binh Thuy Ancient House, Binh Thuy Communal House, the Memorial Site of the late composer Moc Quan – Nguyen Trong Quyen, Cai Rang Floating Market, and Ninh Kieu Wharf,” Mr. Nguyen Thuc Hien added.

Special art performances at the opening ceremony of the 2024 National Cai Luong (Reformed Opera) Festival.

On behalf of the Steering Committee and the Festival's Organizing Committee, Mr. Ho An Phong called upon the distinguished artists of the Art Council to impartially and objectively select worthy works, artists, and performers for the Festival’s prestigious awards. The Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism expressed hope that the artists and performers' hard work and artistic creativity in each play will leave a lasting impression on the hearts of the audience who appreciate Cai Luong in Can Tho City.

The scene where playwright Moc Quan - Nguyen Trong Quyen, established the Tap Ich Ban troupe is recreated in the Cai Luong play "Chat Ngoc Cam Thi Giang" at the festival.

The 2024 National Cai Luong Festival will take place until November 15, 2024.