New partnership explores the links between jazz and Vietnamese music

At the launch of the Sydney Vietnam Institute in Hanoi this June, colleagues from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music joined the Vietnam National Academy of Music to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalising the ongoing partnership between the two institutions.

The MoU provides a framework for the Conservatorium and the Vietnam National Academy of Music (VNAM) to continue to collaborate on joint research projects and performances, supporting the creation of new music, knowledge and practice while bolstering future cross-institutional activities such as student exchange programs.

“We are overjoyed to formalise our long-running relationship with the Vietnam National Academy of Music,” said Professor Anna Reid, Head of School and Dean at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

“The relationship has been exceptionally fruitful so far, providing Conservatorium staff and students with invaluable global experiences that broaden their musical horizons. I look forward to the success the collaboration will continue to bring to our institutions and our communities in the future.”

Established in 1956, the Vietnam National Academy of Music is the pre-eminent music institution in Vietnam and has long been involved with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Dr Steve Barry, Program Leader for Jazz and Hannah James, Double Bassist and teaching staff, were in Vietnam to celebrate the next phase of the alliance.

“The partnership is an evolving picture of cross-cultural co-creation made possible by our shared and distinct methods of performance and improvisation,” Dr Barry said.

“So far staff and students have explored the intersection points of jazz and Vietnamese traditional music, two ostensibly disparate music cultures, through performing their own compositions in ensembles with Vietnamese peers and interpreting folk tunes in a jazz style.

“Hanoi, in my mind, is also a ‘jazz’ city,” Dr Barry added. “It’s a place bursting with creativity and improvisation in its street life, its food, and the mutual give-and-take on display. Our students' performances at the Sydney Vietnam Institute launch events demonstrated both the depth of talent in our jazz degree, our growing collaborations in Vietnam, and the unique affect Hanoi as a city – and Vietnamese music and culture more broadly – has on our ways of creating and views of the possible.”

These global exchanges enrich cultural understandings between Australia, Vietnam and the Vietnamese diaspora community.

“The signing of the MoU with the National Academy puts to paper the philosophies and principles that have guided our collaboration so far: the richness of cultural exchange, the benefits of peer-to-peer teaching and learning, the potential for joint funding and the creation of new music," Dr Barry said.

Through promoting innovative musical practices and strengthening our international networks, the agreement places the Sydney Conservatorium of Music on the global stage.

“This agreement sets a solid foundation for future initiatives that will enhance the global presence and reputation of both institutions, through research, academic excellence and the provision of unique opportunities for our students and faculty to engage with and learn from each other,” Ms James said.

“It has been inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and dedication of all participants, which reinforced the importance of such initiatives in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.”

Providing students with practical, real-world experiences is essential for their personal and professional development and a critical aspect of their education at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

“Student performances in Vietnam at the launch events and in local jazz clubs showcased the talent, professionalism, and calibre of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music,” Ms James said. “The experience provided them with a unique opportunity to engage with an international academic community, witness the establishment of cross-cultural partnerships, and understand the broader context of their studies, while maintaining strong and meaningful connections with fellow students and colleagues in Vietnam.”