The "keeper of the soul" of the Muong gong

Amidst the modern pace of life that is eroding many traditional cultural values, in Chieng Noi area, Thanh Son commune, Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Yen quietly preserves and spreads the resounding sound of gongs and drums. With her dedication and sense of responsibility, she is affectionately called by the local people the "keeper of the soul" of Muong gongs.

Báo Phú Thọ•04/05/2026

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Ms. Yen is passionate about teaching the traditional gong and drum melodies, attracting many people to participate in the activities.

Born and raised in an area where over 70% of the population are Muong people, Ms. Yen was deeply imbued with the traditional cultural values of her ethnic group. Recognizing the risk of the gong culture fading away amidst strong cultural exchange, she constantly pondered ways to revive, preserve, and promote this precious heritage. Not content with just thinking about it, in 2020, she proactively proposed to the local authorities the establishment of the Muong Cultural Heritage Preservation Club in Chieng Noi area.

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From an initial 35 members, the club has now grown to nearly 50 people and maintains regular activities. Under Ms. Yen's direct guidance, members, who initially knew nothing about the craft, have gradually mastered the techniques and become proficient in performing many traditional gong and drum melodies. Without sparing any time, she also independently researches and learns new dances and melodies to teach the club, contributing to enriching the community's cultural life.

What is truly admirable about Ms. Yen, in her role as a Party Branch Secretary and Club Chairperson, is her willingness to share her knowledge with everyone. From students and young people to the elderly, anyone interested in learning about gong culture receives her dedicated guidance. These simple yet heartfelt classes have helped the sound of gongs in Chieng Noi resonate far and wide, becoming a connecting thread between generations in the community.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Yen's dedication has affirmed her role as an exemplary grassroots official and a "key figure" in the preservation of traditional culture, making a significant contribution to the restoration and preservation of the Muong ethnic cultural identity in the locality. The sound of gongs and drums now resonates not only during festivals but also in daily life, becoming a source of pride for the people of Chieng Noi today.

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Source: https://baophutho.vn/nguoi-giu-hon-chieng-muong-253178.htm

Tag: conserve Muong gong Thanh Son cultural values Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Yen Muong ethnic group gong Cultural life passion

The "keeper of the soul" of the Muong gong

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