Artists mourn the passing of Meritorious Artist Kieu Hung.

(NLĐO) - The news of the passing of Meritorious Artist Kieu Hung after many years battling illness has shocked and saddened the art community and music lovers.

Meritorious Artist Kieu Hung

Artist Kieu Hai, the eldest son of Meritorious Artist Kieu Hung, announced on his personal page a few hours ago: "Dear brothers, sisters, and friends. Our family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Artist Kieu Hung – the legendary golden voice of Vietnamese music , the singer of "Love Songs" who inspired many generations, an artist who dedicated his life to his homeland, country, and people, who passed away in the early morning of October 30th at Vivantes Friedrichshain Hospital – Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany, at the age of 88."

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the concern, condolences, and inquiries from agencies, organizations, friends, colleagues, and audiences near and far. Information regarding the memorial service and farewell ceremony will be announced later. "Because some family members live far away, we haven't been able to arrange a date for the funeral yet. The family will announce the specific date later," said artist Kieu Hai.

Kieu Hung – a talented singer of revolutionary music.

His passing marks the end of a nearly lifelong journey dedicated to the music stage, to the homeland, and to melodies that have touched millions of hearts. The name of Meritorious Artist Kiều Hưng is associated with musical works that have become memories for many generations: "Love Song," " Ho Chi Minh, the Most Beautiful Name," "The Song of the City Named After Him," "The Sound of a New Day," "The Cluster of Bau Trees"... His voice was clear, bright, and passionate, as if carrying the scent of rice fields, the river, and the rhythm of the times.

Besides performing, he was also a vocal instructor and studied at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory (formerly the Soviet Union), contributing to the training of many generations of artists. In 1995, he emigrated to Germany with his family.

Meritorious Artist Kieu Hung and singer Trong Tan

Despite living far from his homeland, his voice never left his native land. From performances within the Vietnamese community to vocal lessons held in his home, he became a source of spiritual solace for those who carried a longing for their motherland.

On artist Kieu Hai's personal page, many artists in the country sent their condolences, including artist Manh Hung and Meritorious Artist Minh Vuong, who expressed their sorrow and regret at his passing.

Kieu Hung, his serious illness, and his soulmate.

In 2008, a sudden stroke left him paralyzed on one side of his body, with memory loss and the inability to speak. What hurt him more than his illness was the fear of no longer being able to sing. By his side was his devoted wife, Viet Bac. She patiently taught him each step, each piano key, each lyric.

"Her love for him, her care and concern, ensuring his meaningful return, is the most sacred thing in an artist's life," said singer Bich Phuong.

There were times when tears fell from my eyes because I shared his pain, but I never gave up. Thanks to that love, he gradually recovered. In 2011, his family brought him back to Vietnam for treatment, where Professor Nguyen Tai Thu personally performed acupuncture on him. His health improved, and his memory gradually returned.

Meritorious Artist Kieu Hung and People's Artist Thu Hien

"The moment of returning to the stage: At the 60th anniversary celebration of the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet Theatre in 2014, Meritorious Artist Kieu Hung made his first appearance after six years of serious illness. His voice was no longer as strong as before, but the audience stood up and applauded for a long time. Not because of his technique, but because he had returned – with willpower and love for music. That was the moment the artist met himself again," – singer Trong Tan emotionally recalled.

Kieu Hung left behind a spiritual legacy.

Besides his timeless songs, Meritorious Artist Kieu Hung also left behind about 30 self-composed songs – mostly written during long nights of longing for his homeland.

"He was a shining example for generations of singers and artists in the country. Farewell to him – a legendary voice," singer Dong Quan shared.

He once set to music three poems by martyr Nguyen Van Thac in "Forever Twenty," as a silent dialogue between music and history. During a visit to Nha Trang, when recognized by fans and invited to sing, he performed amidst the sea breeze.

That night, he lay awake, only to say one thing: "Nowhere evokes as much emotion in me as my homeland. I want to return to Vietnam to live out my final years."

Today, he has returned. Not to a space filled with resounding applause, but in the memories, love, and gratitude of generations of the public who have cherished his voice.

"Farewell, Meritorious Artist Kieu Hung. His voice has transcended time, and will remain for a very long time – like a beautiful, quiet yet profound note, of an artist's life dedicated to music and the Fatherland," said Meritorious Artist and singer Hong Van.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/vinh-biet-nsut-kieu-hung-19625110421492463.htm