Lesson 2: Spreading the spirit of the people of Nghe An

(Baonghean.vn) - Gaining a deeper understanding of the character of the people of Nghe An, and developing a greater love for the folk songs and melodies of Nghe Tinh and the land of Nghe An – these are the emotions shared by many after the "Gratitude for Folk Songs and Melodies" performance at Ben Thanh Theater (Ho Chi Minh City).

Ms. Duong Thi Nga, originally from Hanoi, was visiting her child in Ho Chi Minh City when she learned about this music night and made sure to attend. She also shared that although she couldn't understand the local dialect in the folk songs, she loved the melodies and values ​​of these songs because they embody the essence of the people of Nghe An.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Canh Hue, Acting Head of the History Department at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, and a former student of the specialized program from 1972-1975 at Phan Boi Chau High School, affirmed that this is a very meaningful activity of the Alumni Association of Phan Boi Chau High School in Nghe Tinh, connecting the homeland, the teacher-student relationship, and above all, promoting and honoring the beauty of folk songs.

Teacher Vo The Dung - a former teacher at Phan Boi Chau School, who had attended two performances, "Returning to the Land of Vi and Giam Folk Songs" at Phan Boi Chau School and "The Affectionate Vi and Giam Folk Songs" at Ben Thanh Theater, emotionally said: "This is a unique beauty of Phan Boi Chau School students, always looking back to the school that nurtured them, back to their former teachers, and having a special love for the folk songs of their homeland, performing beautiful actions to spread the folk songs. And above all, they convey the affection of the people of Nghe An to all parts of the country through Vi and Giam folk songs."

The performance "Moonlit Night in the Weaving Village"

"The 'Poor Man's Teasing Song' brought refreshing laughter to the audience."

Mr. Nguyen Canh Nam, Chairman of the Nghe Tinh Business Association in Ho Chi Minh City, said: "Every year, the Business Association invites the Center for Preservation and Promotion of Nghe An Folk Songs to perform for the people of Nghe Tinh here, but I was truly impressed with this performance. The same artists, the same director, but this time the artists performed with more enthusiasm and dedication, perhaps because of the great enthusiasm of the audience. And surely, the international recognition of Nghe An's folk songs has been a 'boost' for the artists to dedicate themselves even more to the art. I think it's time for Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces to consider folk songs as a strength for tourism development, because through musical nights like this, more people will understand and love folk songs more, and whenever they return to their homeland, they will want to seek out folk songs."

Immediately after the performance, the personal Facebook pages of former students were filled with positive sentiments about the concert. Ms. Nguyen Thi Le Thu, a former student of the specialized Mathematics class - K12, Phan Boi Chau High School for the Gifted, currently the Director of Marketing and Business Development at FV Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, whose husband is French, shared on her personal page after the performance: “A truly wonderful evening with the folk songs and melodies of Nghe An. Along with hearty laughter, there was overwhelming emotion as I was immersed in the smooth voices and charming performances of the local artists. Romantic, profound, witty, and intelligent... that's what I felt about the warmth of the people of Nghe An from the folk songs of my homeland.”

"Young artist" from Binh Duong, from Phuc Thanh Folk Song Club (Yen Thanh), performed the song "Mother's Song".

The promising 14-year-old singer Thanh Xuan performs the melancholic folk song "The gratitude owed to father, mother, and teacher".

Mr. Hoang Nguyen Vu - Marketing Content Director - VCCorp Media Group shared, “I have participated in many programs honoring intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO, but few programs have left such diverse emotions as this one. It is a true specialty of Nghe An, unchanged over time; still simple, full of meaning and thought, still reflecting the intelligence, open-mindedness, and unity of the people of Nghe An. Surprisingly, the program was organized by former students of a special school in Nghe An, with all the gratitude they feel towards the land where they were born and educated. It awakens pride, love for their homeland, and the awareness of protecting cultural heritage for the nation in each person. With that spirit, that responsibility, and that feeling, I believe that cultural heritage will not only not disappear, but will always live on in the lives of the Vietnamese people.”

And so, starting from the "Memories of Phan School in Nghe An" Facebook page, many generations of Phan School students have found a connection with their teachers, friends, and beloved school on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the specialized program and the 40th anniversary of Phan School's founding. From there, many meaningful activities have been initiated by Phan School alumni, such as expressing gratitude to their teachers, supporting soldiers on the front lines, and most recently, organizing three shows in Vinh, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City to contribute to preserving and promoting the Vi and Giam folk songs.

The art program "The Affectionate Folk Songs of Ví and Giặm," held during the historic month of April in Ho Chi Minh City, contributed a small part to the preservation and spread of Ví and Giặm folk songs throughout the country, ensuring their enduring presence in the Nghệ An region and its homeland. And deep within, it instilled in every student of Phan School a greater sense of pride in the place where they were born, raised, and where Ví and Giặm folk songs originated!

Article by: An Nhan

Image:Crossing Bridge Photo Group