Free singing class by folk singer

Fortunately, she was born and raised in a land rich in folk song tradition, so from her youth, the folk songs and vi melodies permeated Vo Thi Hong Van. At the age of 16, she boldly registered to participate in a folk song competition organized by Thanh Chuong district and won first prize.

It was that “spiritual gift” that helped her become more confident in her singing ability, and for many years after that, she was always present at festivals and cultural and artistic competitions of the commune and district. From 1996 to now, as a collaborator of the Thanh Chuong District Cultural Center, she has had more opportunities to participate in performances and exchange and learn.

Ms. Vo Hong Van. Photo: NVCC

With her passion for Vi Giam folk songs, along with her real life experiences, she also composed sweet and profound folk melodies. Sharing with us, she said, "It's not enough to nurture my passion alone, I always have a husband who knows how to share with me." That's the warm cup of water my husband makes when my voice is hoarse, that's the meals my husband cooks when he comes home late from singing practice... It's that care that, even though life is full of hardships and worries, she can still live and burn out with her passion.

Accordingly, her contributions have been recognized. At the 5th Nghe An province short drama festival - comedy drama - in 2011, she won the award for excellent actress, the 2015 Vietnam Folk Song Festival - North Central region, she was awarded a certificate of merit for her outstanding achievements, and the Nghe An Vi Giam Folk Song Festival, she won the C prize. In 2013, she was awarded the title of Folk Artist by the Vietnam Folk Arts Association. In 2015, she was honored to receive the title of Meritorious Artist.

In 2015, Ms. Van was awarded the title of Meritorious Artisan. Photo: NVCC

Not only living with her own passion, with more than 40 years of attachment to the folk songs, Ms. Van is one of the consultants for the Thanh Chuong District Cultural Center to establish many folk song clubs in the area, including the Ngoc Son Commune Folk Song Club, of which she is the president.

Since 2015, she has regularly opened free folk singing classes at home. This summer, her class has more than 20 members, aged 7-20, coming from many communes in the district. Nguyen Van Khuyen (12 years old), who lives in Thanh Xuan commune and has to travel more than 25 km every day to learn to sing, shared: "I really like Vi Giam folk songs. Through the emotional ancient songs, I feel a deeper sense of humanity, and I know how to share and sympathize... Thanks to Ms. Van's teaching, we sing much better than before."

Sharing with us, Ms. Van said, "There is nothing happier than spreading your passion to many people. So many days I am tired from teaching, my throat hurts, but when I see the children immersed in singing, everything disappears."

Diep Phuong