Ha Noi

The Sound of Northern Vietnam

Introducing Ha Noi, a tribute to the magic of Vietnam’s capital. This project is the result of an immersive creative residency in Vietnam, carried out by our talented in-house sound and visual designer, Noah Sherrin.

Born from the sound world of Hanoi, a city known for its dramatic contrasts, vibrant music and rich history, Ha Noi is our window into the heart and soul of the city’s unique musical heritage. We were enriched by the talents of top-tier local musicians, who contributed distinctive sounds and expressive performances, drawn from timeless traditions and innovative contemporary techniques.

Perform View artwork draws on the story of Hoan Kiem Lake, or the Lake of the Restored Sword, in the centre of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The story says that a fisherman once came across a large shining blade while casting his net in the lake, and gave it to a rebel leader named Lê L?i. The sword gave Lê L?i and his army immense strength, enabling them to defeat their enemies. After the war was won, Lê L?i, now emperor, took a boat trip on the lake when the Golden Turtle God, Kim Qui, surfaced and asked him to return it to its master, the Dragon Lord Long Quân. Grateful for the strength the sword had given him, Lê L?i returned the sword to the Golden Turtle, which took it in its mouth and swam down into the lake. Some say you can still see the sword’s shimmering reflection at the bottom of the lake. Told in the style of a ?ông S?n drum—massive decorative bronze drums made by the people of the ?ông S?n culture—the story is conveyed through abstract drawings and geometric patterns in concentric circles.

By harnessing the transformative power of our MNDALA 2 engine, these already vivid sounds have been artistically interpreted and reshaped into a wide variety of new forms. This creative endeavour presents a dynamic palette filled with a myriad of sonic colours that reflect Hanoi, including not only instruments, but also soundscapes captured across North Vietnam.

With Ha Noi, you are invited into the sound world of this special city. Ha Noi tells a rich story of heritage and innovation, resonating with the pulse of a city in motion.