Musician and teacher Hoang Co Thuy passed away.

"My husband complained of severe chest pain. His family took him to People's Hospital 115 (HCMC) for emergency treatment, but he did not survive and passed away at 3:00 a.m. on August 15," artist Nguyen Xuan Yen emotionally said.

Musician and teacher Hoang Co Thuy is a talented artist. His zither music has touched the hearts of many audiences who love traditional music and reformed theater. He also imparted much experience to generations of students who are passionate about traditional music.

Musician and teacher Hoang Co Thuy played the zither solo for a group of tourists from the US, led by his son, artist Viet Hai, who brought him back to Vietnam to visit him in July 2023.

Musician and teacher Hoang Co Thuy was born in 1949. From the age of 8, his father sent him to study traditional musical instruments. His brother was taught the zither, and he learned the zither under the guidance of teacher Pham Van Nghi.

After two years of studying, teacher Pham Van Nghi suggested that he take the entrance exam to the Saigon National School of Music and Drama (now the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music). Here, musician Hoang Co Thuy was trained in the zither and pipa.

After graduating, he was retained by the school to teach from 1967 to 1975. From 1975 to 1985, he worked at the School of Stage Arts II (now the University of Theatre and Cinema in Ho Chi Minh City), holding a leadership position as vice principal.

From left to right: Musician - teacher Hoang Co Thuy, Nguyen Xuan Yen, artist Viet Hai and Master of Music Vu Kim Yen

He composed many solo works for the zither such as: "Immense", "Cau ho Ben Ngu", "Variation of Ly ao va quan", "Nhung ngoi duong xua", "Cam tuc", "Mua hap", "Trang soi vien co", duet for the zither "Loi ve"... Many of his works have been printed in 2 book series "New compositions for the zither".

Artist Viet Hai, the godson of musician and teacher Hoang Co Thuy, cried a lot when he heard the news of his father's death. He was moved: "The plan to organize a performance by artist Hoang Co Thuy in Seattle, USA in 2024 was prepared, but my father suddenly passed away."

During his artistic career, musician - teacher Hoang Co Thuy has been associated with many reformed opera troupes such as: Phuoc Chung, Saigon 1, Saigon 2...

He also participated in the tour "Drought and Rain" by contemporary choreographer Esola Thuy, along with 20 elderly farmers in Ninh Binh , bringing Vietnamese dance to the US. He has toured many European countries, leaving a lasting impression on overseas audiences through the Vietnamese traditional zither and pipa in France.

Musician - teacher Hoang Co Thuy, Nguyen Xuan Yen and godson - artist Viet Hai at Tac Say church - Bac Lieu , July 2023

The funeral of musician and teacher Hoang Co Thuy was held at his private home in Ward 14, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City. The burial ceremony will take place at 6am on August 17, followed by a ceremony at Dong Tien Church and cremation at Binh Hung Hoa.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/van-nghe/nhac-si-nha-giao-hoang-co-thuy-qua-doi-20230815065921806.htm