Tung Duong's musical journey has always been intertwined with gratitude towards his predecessors – those who have left a great legacy for many generations.
Reporter : You made a strong impression during the A80 Grand Celebration with your special music projects and became one of the rare singers to appear in almost all the major programs during this period. Looking back now, how do you feel? Do you feel pressured to always meet the audience's expectations?
- Singer TUNG DUONG: When I recall the moments during the A80 Grand Ceremony, I still feel deeply moved and proud. Being able to stand on such special stages as national concerts and other significant events, I feel proud because, whether as an artist or as a responsible citizen, I always want to dedicate myself fully to my country.
I prepare meticulously for each performance, striving to sing beautifully and emotionally, and creating music videos that convey patriotic messages with the most positive spirit to spread throughout the community. I've never felt pressured to contribute to my country; on the contrary, I feel joyful and happy.
A year ago, we talked about a patriotic and life-loving Tung Duong, but what about Tung Duong now?
- Tung Duong can talk about patriotism anytime, in any situation. For me, patriotism is not a "trend," but the "essence" of an artist in particular and of a citizen in general - it is a great responsibility of a singer as well as of every Vietnamese person.
When that love is ever-present in our hearts, only then can we sow the most positive seeds. And in the future, and forevermore, Tung Duong will continue to cherish that love for his country.
What are your observations regarding the patriotism of the younger generation when they memorize and sing along to revolutionary songs at major events ?
- We don't need to worry too much about the generational gap between wartime and peacetime. Each period, each era, has its own way of expressing patriotism, but that spirit always burns brightly. Today, even though they no longer live through the "fight to the death for the Fatherland" moments like their ancestors, young people continue the indomitable and resilient spirit of the previous generation on new "fronts" - from economics , tourism, culture to science and technology - and still strive every day to build a more developed and prosperous country.
The moment when over 50,000 spectators placed their hands over their hearts and sang "Marching Song" and "Continuing the Story of Peace " in unison was the most sacred moment. There, the national spirit and the power of music acted as a rallying cry, spreading patriotism from small individuals to form a vast and unified force.
What are your thoughts on the role of revolutionary music in fostering a spirit of unity and national pride among today's youth ?
- In the present time, revolutionary music has an incredibly strong unifying power. Works about homeland and country not only awaken love for the nation but also express national strength, cultural depth, and historical values that the composers have conveyed. Through different periods, "red music" songs have been performed by many generations of artists and renowned singers, from the voices of the past to us today.
Generations like Nguyen Van Chung and Tung Duong continue to write new stories with new songs and a new spirit, while still inheriting the enduring values of patriotism and the indomitable spirit of the nation. Music is the bridge between generations, so that everyone feels faith, love, and pride, so that we are worthy of the sacrifices of our ancestors in the cause of defending the country. It is this power that makes revolutionary music an unending stream.
Each year, audiences see Tung Duong reaching a new level. Along this journey, has he encountered any difficulties?
- Difficulties are always present on the path to artistic success, even quite challenging. But I think that to achieve success, every artist must put in a lot of effort. For over 20 years, Tung Duong has been diligently working in the arts, with new projects every year, sometimes live shows, sometimes albums and music videos.
But the most important thing is timing. I remember singing "Nơi đảo xa" (A Distant Island) with Trọng Tấn, or the moment I received the "Song of the Year" award for "Chiếc khăn piêu" (The Piêu Scarf) - a song nearly 70 years old but still a resounding success in the hearts of the audience. All of those are beautiful milestones.
As an ever-evolving artist, how do you balance maintaining your unique identity with catering to modern musical tastes?
- On that journey, challenges are inevitable, and to survive, artists must know how to adapt to the times. However, innovation does not mean losing one's identity. The important thing is to maintain individuality while also knowing how to listen, reducing extreme ego to filter and absorb. Artists are like gems; the more they are polished through experience, the brighter and more solid they become.
What special milestones has the collaboration with musician Nguyen Van Chung brought to your musical journey ?
- Honestly, Nguyen Van Chung and I never thought we would collaborate one day. Before, my music was often "winding," "twisted," and challenging, while Chung's music was more approachable and simple. I thought those two worlds would never meet. But then, remarkably, we met on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025) - a sacred milestone for any Vietnamese person.
More importantly, this collaboration led to a deep connection and genuine friendship. Despite only recently meeting, Chung and I have come to see each other as kindred spirits in music. Chung once said he appreciated the way I treat musicians, and I consider that a valuable recognition, as well as a principle in my profession: always cherish, nurture, and respect the work of those I collaborate with.
Your first vinyl record is coming soon . Can you share anything about this music project? What's different about it compared to your previous projects?
- My first vinyl record, titled "Timeless," showcases Duong's "vocalist" spirit through timeless love songs of our country. In Volume 1, I selected songs from the modern music era to the period after 1975 – both a return to old values and setting much stricter requirements than previous projects.
With high-end music, audiences are particularly discerning, so the team chose analog recording, a sophisticated and rare method these days. This is what makes "Timeless" a memorable milestone in my musical journey.
Singer Tung Duong (Photo provided by the subject)
Each artist needs to know how to distill national values and incorporate them into music naturally, harmoniously, and in tune with the contemporary spirit.
We possess a vast treasure trove of folk music – from lullabies and folk melodies to time-honored works. These values help affirm Vietnam's unique identity on the world music map, leaving no room for imitation. In many of my projects, I always draw upon folk traditions, even when collaborating with international artists or participating in major festivals. Every time I stand on an international stage, I consider it an opportunity to make a "declaration" of patriotism and national pride.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/ca-si-tung-duong-toi-muon-di-den-cung-with-am-nhac-196250913195112494.htm
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