Singer Nguyen Bao Yen:

After 13 years of studying, researching, and performing in the Russian Federation, soprano Nguyen Bao Yen has successfully defended her doctoral thesis in musicology at the Rachmaninov National Conservatory of Music. The winner of the 2015 Sao Mai Singing Contest in the classical music category is also known as the first Vietnamese singer to successfully defend a doctoral thesis in music abroad. Singer Nguyen Bao Yen shared with reporters from the Hanoi Broadcasting and Television Agency about her arduous journey and her new musical plans.

- You recently successfully defended your doctoral thesis in music in Russia after a 13-year journey. Looking back, what has left the deepest impression on you?

- On April 23, 2026, at the Rachmaninov National Conservatory of Music in Russia, when I heard the council announce the results and decide to award me my doctorate, I was truly overwhelmed. It was a feeling difficult to describe in words, because behind that moment lay a long journey with many challenges that I had overcome.

In 2013, I was the only student from the Vocal Department of the Vietnam National Academy of Music to be sent to Russia on a full scholarship under the Agreement. From the initial days of learning the Russian alphabet, studying the language, adapting to the new environment, then completing the specialist program in opera vocal performance, and continuing with postgraduate studies, it was all not easy.

- You are the first Vietnamese singer to successfully defend a doctoral thesis in music abroad. What does this achievement mean to you?

- This is a source of great pride for me. Looking back on the entire journey, I feel fulfilled and happy because I have tried my best. Throughout 13 years, despite facing the Covid-19 pandemic, social upheavals, and personal life difficulties, I have always persevered and been determined to pursue my academic goals to the end. I am inherently a person with strong willpower and self-discipline. When I received the scholarship opportunity to study in Russia, I always considered it a great stroke of luck, cherishing every opportunity I had and never allowing myself to give up halfway.

- After many years of studying and living in Russia, you must have had opportunities to develop your career abroad. Why did you decide to return to Vietnam?

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- I love Russia very much. It's where I grew professionally, where I became familiar with the culture, the people, and the cuisine . However, the longer I stay there, the more I miss my homeland. Vietnam is a very livable country, peaceful and with great potential for development. I see that classical music in Vietnam is making positive strides and needs people who have received formal training abroad to return and contribute. The government has invested significant resources in training high-quality human resources. Therefore, I wish to return to contribute my small part to the development of classical music in the country, both in performance and training.

- Since 2023, you've returned to Vietnam and participated in many major art programs. Could you share more specifically about the "positive developments" in Vietnamese classical music that you've observed?

- I feel very fortunate to return at a time when the classical music scene is showing many positive signs. First and foremost is the increasing attention the State is paying to the field of culture and arts. The construction of new theaters has opened up more high-quality performance spaces for artists. I am very grateful for the policy of investing in art training abroad and creating favorable conditions for those trained to return and develop their abilities. This shows that culture is being recognized as an important resource in the country's development strategy.

Even more encouraging is the growing interest in classical music among domestic audiences. Classical and symphonic programs are now attracting more attention than before. Many young people are actively researching works, following artists, and attending theaters regularly. Even classical artists have their own dedicated fan bases. This change offers promising prospects for Vietnamese classical music.

- More than 10 years after winning the Sao Mai 2015 competition, how do you see yourself changing as a performing artist?

- When I participated in the Sao Mai competition in 2015, I was quite young and still inexperienced in many aspects. Even then, I wasn't truly confident about immediately pursuing a professional career. That motivated me to continue studying and researching more deeply. After more than 10 years, my vocal technique has matured significantly. More importantly, the depth of my emotions and my ability to convey music have also changed. Experiences in studying, researching, performing, and life have helped me understand musical works more deeply and connect with audiences better.

- I'm sure you have many plans for the future, too?

- I returned and joined a professional arts organization. Besides that, I hope to be more involved in teaching, accompanying young people with a passion for vocal music in a structured and professional training environment.

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I'm also working on an album of revolutionary songs arranged in a symphonic, chamber music style. Over the past two to three years, I've had many opportunities to perform this genre and found it very suitable for me. I believe that revolutionary songs, when performed in a symphonic style, will have a sophisticated, modern look while still retaining their original spiritual value. This is also my way of bringing classical music closer to the public.

- We sincerely thank singer Nguyen Bao Yen!

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/ca-si-nguyen-bao-yen-mong-muan-dua-am-nhac-han-lam-den-gan-hon-voi-cong-chung-1159446.html