Artist Phan Tro: The sound of the flute of kindred spirits.

(GLO) - As the melodious sound of the bamboo flute filled the small auditorium, artist Phan Trợ seemed completely immersed in the sounds that had been a part of his life since his youth. For him, the flute was also the voice of his heart, a kindred spirit.

Originally from Quang Nam province, artist Phan Tro and his family moved to Gia Lai - Kon Tum province (formerly) when he was very young. After finishing high school, he happened to learn that some professors from the Hue National School of Music (now the Hue Academy of Music) were recruiting for the first course in the Central Highlands after the reunification of the country (1975), so he applied. With his natural talent, he easily passed the vocal and rhythm tests.

Artist Phan Trợ has been dedicated to the bamboo flute for nearly 50 years. Photo: PD

Initially, he chose to study the violin, a Western instrument. However, because the Department of Traditional Vietnamese Musical Instruments had few students, he and a few others were encouraged to switch. Amidst the vast array of traditional instruments, the bamboo flute suddenly caught his attention. Since then, he has spent nearly 50 years dedicated to the flute, as if it were his destiny.

According to artist Phan Trợ: To perform the bamboo flute skillfully, the artist must practice diligently to possess a long, strong breath; at the same time, they must focus on practicing everything from breathing techniques to more difficult and complex techniques such as trills, vibrato, single tonguing, double tonguing, and breath control… Only then can they convey the spirit of each piece, sometimes majestic and lively, other times profound and gentle.

After graduating in 1982, artist Phan Trợ began working at the Department of Culture of Gia Lai-Kon Tum province (formerly). With his professional training from one of the country's major musical centers, he did not shy away from difficulties and hardships when he joined the provincial mobile propaganda team to perform thousands of shows in villages over the course of 10 years.

He recalled: "The local people loved the sound of the flute because it was so close to their daily lives. Many nights, even after the performance had ended, the villagers lingered, reluctant to leave. Despite the numerous difficulties in traveling, living, and performing in remote areas, seeing how eagerly the people looked forward to each performance made his team feel that their mission was even more meaningful."

Later, despite successively transferring to work at the Administrative and Organizational Department and the Cultural and Arts Department (Cultural and Information Center, later the Provincial Cultural, Film and Tourism Center), artist Phan Trợ still managed to excel in office work while participating in artistic performances.

Besides visiting villages, he also frequently performs at border guard posts throughout the province. The sincere affection and enthusiasm of the soldiers when enjoying his art bring the artist a wealth of emotion each time he performs.

Among this bamboo flute artist's signature pieces are many songs praising soldiers, such as: "He's Still Marching," "On the Road to Victory," "The Young Soldier's Flute," "Marching Together in Spring," etc. With his selfless and dedicated spirit, in 2014, artist Phan Trợ was awarded the "For Border Security and Sovereignty" commemorative medal by the Border Guard Command.

Bamboo flute artist Phan Trợ performs at the 2025 Lantern Festival Poetry Night organized by the Provincial Association of Literature and Arts. Photo: Mạnh Đức

Meritorious Artist Dang Cong Hung - Vice Chairman in charge of the Provincial Association of Literature and Arts: “Artist Phan Tro received formal, systematic training in the bamboo flute. He is passionate about his trained profession and contributes to the Provincial Mobile Propaganda Team in improving the cultural and spiritual life of people at the grassroots level. After retirement, he remains enthusiastic about teaching this musical instrument. He is a responsible member, participating in many poetry and music programs of the Association. Despite his advanced age, he always gives his all, always meticulous, and always seeking to express new things.”

The clear, melodious sound of the bamboo flute, in harmony with nature, is perfectly suited to melodies praising love for one's homeland, such as: "Returning Home," "The Shadow of the Kơ Nia Tree," "Hanoi-Hue-Saigon," etc.

When artist Phan Trợ uses his small flute to produce those sounds, the image of the country seems to fill the space, imbuing it with emotion.

Currently, artist Phan Trợ is the only member of the Music Branch of the Provincial Association of Literature and Arts who performs professionally with the bamboo flute.

Artist Phan Tro performs the work: "On the Road to Victory". Produced by: PD

This talented artist also plays the zither very well, so his flute and zither playing is rarely absent from poetry and music programs organized by the Provincial Literature and Arts Association. Even after retiring many years ago, he remains enthusiastic in supporting the grassroots art movement, opening classes to teach bamboo flute to those who love the traditional musical instrument of the nation.

In a conversation with us, artist Phan Trợ shared: “The greatest value that music brings to my life is that it makes me happier and more appreciative of life. I can play many musical instruments, but I still love the flute the most. For me, it is a lifelong confidant.”

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/nghe-si-phan-tro-tieng-sao-tri-am-post317374.html