"Mai Vang Tri An" honors opera artists and orchestrators

On the morning of October 26th, at the Ho Chi Minh Cultural Space of the Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper, the "Mai Vang Tri An" (Golden Apricot Blossom Gratitude) program, organized by the Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper in collaboration with Nam A Commercial Joint Stock Bank, presented gifts to two artists: Meritorious Artist Huu Danh (Ho Chi Minh City Traditional Opera Theatre) and musician Vo Thanh Liem (Bach Duong Band).

Mr. Bui Thanh Liem - Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper (left) and Ms. Tran Thi Kieu Thuong - Deputy Director of Nam A Bank in Ho Chi Minh City (right) present gifts to two artists: Meritorious Artist Huu Danh and musician Vo Thanh Liem.

Mr. Bui Thanh Liem - Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper and Ms. Tran Kieu Thuong - Deputy Director of Nam A Bank in Ho Chi Minh City - presented gifts to the two artists, each receiving 15 million VND.

Meritorious Artist Huu Danh: "The Golden Apricot Blossom Award of Gratitude" is a great motivation.

As a third-generation artist in a family deeply connected to the art of traditional Vietnamese opera, Meritorious Artist Huu Danh is highly regarded by experts for his acting ability, skillful use of dance, and impressive exploration of the inner emotions of his characters.

He also followed in the footsteps of his mentor, People's Artist Dinh Bang Phi, working as a speaker, promoting and introducing the unique characteristics of Southern Vietnamese traditional opera to young audiences.

Every week at the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum – where the Ho Chi Minh City Traditional Opera Theatre holds free performances for visitors to the Saigon Zoo – he diligently hosts the program and creates interaction with young audiences.

He has successfully adapted the play "Hero" by author Vuong Huyen Co into a traditional Vietnamese opera script, which is currently being staged by director Vo Ho Hoang Vu under the artistic guidance of People's Artist Tran Ngoc Giau.

This will be the graduation performance in stage directing for the young director and director of the Ho Chi Minh City Traditional Opera Theatre in November 2023.

Meritorious Artist Huu Danh recalled his early years in the art of traditional Vietnamese opera. Although his father, the late artist Huu Thoai (1911 - 1976) - one of the famous artists of that period - did not want his son to follow in his footsteps, so he hardly learned from his father, it was the family's love for the profession that urged Meritorious Artist Huu Danh to dedicate himself to the art of traditional Vietnamese opera.

"At that time, my father's close friend - the late People's Artist Thanh Ton - the father of Meritorious Artist Thanh Loc, saw my passion and introduced me to pursue acting. Then, with perseverance, I studied acting, scriptwriting, and directing," said Meritorious Artist Huu Danh.

He is currently on the list of nominees for the title of People's Artist in the 10th round, which has been signed by President Vo Van Thuong.

Upon receiving the gift from the "Golden Apricot Blossom Appreciation" program, he expressed his gratitude to the Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper and Nam A Commercial Bank. "This meaningful gift gives me more motivation to continue creating and collaborating with young actors and directors."

"Currently, each year, according to the schedule of performances for the community and some collaborative activities, the Ho Chi Minh City Traditional Opera Theatre performs 120-140 shows, with peak years reaching up to 180 shows. Through these performances, we introduce and answer questions about traditional opera for young people, so that they can join hands in preserving and conserving it," said Meritorious Artist Huu Danh with passion.

Composer Vo Thanh Liem: I will always dedicate myself to this.

Vo Thanh Liem considers himself a "man of the Mai Vang Awards" because every year he contributes to the musical arrangements for the opera, traditional, and dance performances at the Mai Vang Awards Ceremony at the City Theater.

Upon receiving the meaningful gift, he shared: "Receiving this gift motivates me to strive for a new level. This practical gesture of support reminds artists to dedicate themselves more, continuing to contribute to the achievements of literature and art in Ho Chi Minh City in particular and the whole country in general. Thank you to the 'Mai Vàng Tri Ân' program of the Người Lao Động newspaper," - musician Võ Thanh Liêm expressed.

Musician Vo Thanh Liem

As a member of the Bach Duong Band in the early years after the country's reunification, musician Vo Thanh Liem was a pillar of the nightly performance program. He composed, arranged, and conducted the band, which consisted entirely of women, including musician Ngoc Minh, his wife.

Later, after becoming acquainted with stage directors, he was invited to compose music for plays, from traditional Vietnamese opera to spoken drama, and then worked at the Tran Huu Trang Theater.

He is proficient in playing various musical instruments, thereby incorporating traditional instruments into the harmonies and creating a unique touch for each performance.

His name became known through his compositions and arrangements for major festivals in Ho Chi Minh City. He was not only associated with the Tran Huu Trang Theater, but also with the Ho Chi Minh City Light Music Center, the Ho Chi Minh City Performing Arts and Film Center, and most art organizations, both public and privately-run.

The meeting and gift-giving ceremony for the "Golden Apricot Blossom Appreciation" program at the Ho Chi Minh Cultural Space of the Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper.

"Currently, I am composing music for a Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) play about the heroic character Nguyen Thi Dinh for a university student preparing to graduate from directing school, a student of People's Artist Giang Manh Ha. I always support young people with the desire to contribute to bringing new spiritual values ​​to the Cai Luong stage through staging and music."

"Today, receiving a gift from the 'Golden Apricot Blossom Appreciation' program, I am very happy and touched. Thank you to the Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper, and I wish the 'Golden Apricot Blossom Appreciation' program to expand its effectiveness, spreading love and care for artists, teachers, researchers, and intellectuals who have made many contributions to the country," - musician Vo Thanh Liem expressed.

Ms. Tran Kieu Thuong - Deputy Director of Nam A Bank in Ho Chi Minh City:

Nam A Commercial Bank had the opportunity to partner with and share in the "Mai Vàng Gratitude" program - formerly the "Mai Vàng Humanitarian" program - which has provided gifts and financial support to more than 700 artists nationwide.

Nam A Commercial Bank's motto has always been focused on practical charitable activities, including caring for and sharing with artists and intellectuals who have made significant contributions to the country.

Wishing Meritorious Artist Huu Danh and musician Vo Thanh Liem continued good health so they can continue composing and contributing to the country's literature and arts.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/van-nghe/mai-vang-tri-an-vinh-danh-nghe-si-hat-boi-va-nhac-si-hoa-am-20231026104508873.htm