Musician Le Ham and his contributions to his homeland Nghe An

Journey of pursuing music

Anyone who has met musician Le Ham cannot help but be impressed by his closeness, simplicity and sensitive soul. For him, composing music is not only about writing melodies and lyrics, but also about devoting your mind to learning, listening and feeling the rhythm of life in your homeland. Perhaps that is why his songs always carry the breath of Nghe An land and sky, close but profound, easily touching the hearts of listeners.

Born on August 1, 1934 in Dien Hong commune, Dien Chau district, Nghe An province, Le Ham grew up in the context of a country at war and traditional values ​​were firmly maintained in the hearts of each family. Since childhood, he was nurtured by his love for folk songs and the Vi Giam melodies of his homeland, which contributed to the formation of his musical path later on.

Le Ham began to study music formally at the age of 10 and was outstanding for his talent in playing the flute. It was this passion that led him to the decision to pursue music professionally, from which he became an artist in the 320th Division. The days of his youth in the art troupes were the foundation for Le Ham's first musical works. That student of the Inter-Zone 4 Youth Military School, with a heart full of love for art, soon showed his natural talent in every note of his first music.

In 1954, he transferred to the Cultural Office of Inter-Zone 4, and from 1955 to 1961, he studied at the Vietnam Music School. After graduating, he went to the Vinh Linh border, serving the people and soldiers on the northern bank of the Ben Hai River during the fierce war. This period not only helped him broaden his personal experience but also instilled in his soul deep feelings and emotions about the country and people, which were clearly expressed through his later works.

Great contributions

The life and career of musician Le Ham are closely linked to patriotism, love for the homeland, and a limitless passion for music. From songs imbued with the colors of the homeland to research and preservation works of folk songs, musician Le Ham has left a deep mark in the hearts of the people and the history of music of the country.

Le Ham is not only a musician but also a music researcher with a spirit of unceasing dedication. In 1964, after being assigned to be a teacher at the Central School of Music and Art, he accepted an invitation to become the Head of the Ha Tinh People's Art Troupe. In this role, he was not only in charge of teaching but also conducting the orchestra of the Ha Tinh People's Art Troupe. He spent a lot of time collecting and researching folk songs, contributing to preserving the traditional musical values ​​of his homeland.

With more than 140 works of many different genres, Le Ham has affirmed his outstanding composing talent. Songs such as "Nguoi me lang sen", "Gai song La", and especially "Vinh, thanh pho binh minh" have become immortal songs, deeply engraved in the hearts of Nghe people. The lyrics in his songs always reflect his deep love for his homeland, people and nature of Nghe, from simple images imbued with sincere emotions.

In addition to his outstanding compositions, musician Le Ham also made great contributions to the preservation and development of Nghe Tinh Vi Giam folk songs, helping to preserve and spread the traditional values ​​of this land to future generations. He has been awarded many prestigious awards such as the State Prize for Literature and Arts in 2022, along with many medals for the resistance against the French and the Americans to save the country. His contributions are recognized not only by the artist community but also by the whole society.

Imprint with "Vinh - City of Dawn"

When mentioning musician Le Ham, it is impossible not to mention the song "Vinh - City of Dawn" - one of his lifetime songs. This song was composed in 1979, not only praising Vinh city but also expressing his deep love for the place that has been with him throughout his life. The song also depicts the image of a youthful city, full of vitality but no less affectionate, bringing pride to the people of Nghe An.

With its lyrical melody and simple lyrics, "Vinh - City of Dawn" has quickly become the musical symbol of Vinh city. Not only the city's residents but also anyone who has ever set foot in Vinh, witnessed the dawn rising in the sky, cannot help but be moved when hearing the familiar melodies of the song. This song has become the unofficial "city song" of Vinh, known by heart by the people and often played on the local radio, as an emotional soundtrack for life here.

Musician Le Ham has subtly and lyrically integrated familiar images of the city into the song. From the roads, street corners to the gentle Lam River, all appear in his music like a vivid picture. The song not only talks about the beauty of the city but also conveys faith and hope for the future development of Vinh - a city that is changing every day, becoming more modern and dynamic.

Musician Le Ham’s affection for Vinh is not only pride in the city but also a deep attachment to his homeland. Vinh city is not only the place where he composed and devoted himself but also the place where he lived and eventually returned, ending a life full of dedication to music and the country.

The passing of musician Le Ham in Vinh city has left a deep sorrow in the hearts of the people of Nghe An and the entire artistic community. Although he has passed away, what he left behind – his musical works, his research on folk songs and his endless love for his homeland – will forever live in the hearts of the people, becoming a part of the country's cultural and spiritual heritage.

His songs are not only beautiful melodies, but also the voice of a man who always worries about and loves the land where he was born. Le Ham's music is a skillful combination of tradition and modernity, between national spirit and the breath of new life. He not only left behind songs, but also a sensitive soul, a heart that knows how to love and devote himself to art.

He devoted his entire life to composing, researching and preserving traditional cultural values. A shining example of the patriotic spirit of the artist, dedicated to the art and culture of the nation. He was not only a talented musician but also a devoted cultural researcher.

His works are not only the pride of the people of Nghe An but also a precious musical and cultural heritage of the country. The passing of musician Le Ham is a great loss, but his contributions will forever resonate and live on in the hearts of Vietnamese music lovers.

Vinh city will still welcome the dawn every day, only his heart has stopped beating but somewhere in every shape of the country, his musical mark will forever exist, will continue to echo in the hearts of the people, like the light of dawn that never fades on this beloved land.