People's Artist Phan Thi Kim Dung

Moc Quan Nhan village (also known as Ke Moc), now part of Nhan Chinh ward, Thanh Xuan district, Hanoi, has long been known as one of the areas with the finest cultural and artistic traditions in Hanoi. However, for various reasons, the cultural and artistic movement here has gradually declined over time.

It is gratifying to see an artist, though not originally from this area, making an effort to revive traditional music by teaching various forms of folk singing such as xẩm, chèo cổ, chầu văn, and hát văn free of charge to generations of villagers, contributing to the promotion, preservation, and safeguarding of national cultural identity. That artist is People's Artist Phan Thị Kim Dung.

NNND Phan Thị Kim Dung (wearing a pink ao dai, standing in the middle) with the leadership of the Folk Song Club of Moc Village, Quan Nhan.

People's Artist Kim Dung was born in 1951 into a family with a singing tradition in My Loc district, Nam Dinh province. At 73 years old, she has dedicated over 60 years to Xam singing and folk songs. With her passion and unwavering dedication, People's Artist Kim Dung has achieved many successes. In 2010, she won the gold medal at the first Red River Delta Regional Folk Singing Competition and was recognized as a Folk Artist.

In 2015, she won the Gold Medal for singing Xẩm Nhị Tình (a type of folk singing) with ancient lyrics at the Folk Music and Singing Festival of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. She also won the A Prize at the Folk Song and Dance Festival organized by the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports in 2016. She was awarded the title of Outstanding Artisan in the field of Intangible Cultural Heritage (first time) in the Xẩm singing category.

In 2018-2019, People's Artist Kim Dung won third prize in the Northern Xam singing competition organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the A1 prize in the Hat Van and Hat Chau Van Festival awarded by the Department of Grassroots Culture. She received a Certificate of Merit from the Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee for "Building and developing literature and art in the new era". The Thanh Xuan District People's Committee also awarded her a Certificate of Merit for her achievements in building and developing the Association of People with Disabilities, and a Certificate of Merit for her achievements in "Preserving national identity and culture".

In 2021, she was awarded the title "Good Person, Good Deed" by the Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee. In 2022, she was bestowed the title of People's Artisan by the State for her outstanding contributions to preserving and promoting the intangible cultural heritage of the nation.

In 2024, People's Artist Kim Dung was honored by the Hanoi People's Committee as an Outstanding Citizen of the Capital City.

As is customary, every Friday evening, the Folk Song Club of Moc Quan Nhan village comes alive with the songs and voices of its members. Despite their different ages, everyone enthusiastically practices, driven solely by passion. For over 15 years, the club has become a familiar cultural meeting place for amateur artists who love folk melodies.

Mr. Phi Quang Rang, who has been involved with the club for 7 years, shared that while he was working, although he loved singing, especially traditional folk songs, his job prevented him from fulfilling his passion. Since joining the club and receiving guidance from Artisan Kim Dung, the club's chairman, he has grown even more fond of the traditional culture of the nation.

"Under the guidance of People's Artist Kim Dung, everyone showcases their talent. She is very enthusiastic, dedicated, and meticulous in every detail. The roles in the performances are also very clear, recognizing each member's talents and strengths to assign them specific roles. When they come to the club or perform on stage, the artists give their all and dedicate themselves completely to the club's cultural heritage preservation," shared Mr. Phi Quang Rang.

Born into a family with a tradition in the arts, from a young age, she was taught the art of Xam singing, Cheo singing, and Van singing by her father (also a renowned artist). Thoroughly taught the art of singing and the content of the melodies, she achieved many accomplishments for her homeland. She was also fortunate to attend a Xam singing class taught by artist Ha Thi Cau to the Cheo Troupe of Ha Nam (formerly), and later received guidance from People's Artist Xuan Hoach – one of the veteran figures of Vietnamese folk music.

NNND Kim Dung (center) in a short performance.

In 1995, when she moved to Hanoi with her husband and children to live in Nhan Chinh village (now Nhan Chinh ward, Thanh Xuan district, Hanoi), the artist's childhood passion continued. With the desire to spread the vitality of folk music in community life, the artist dedicated much time and effort to teaching traditional songs and melodies to the people of Moc Quan Nhan village, which she considers her second home.

Her passion and aspirations came true when the Moc Quan Nhan Village Folk Song Club was officially established (May 19, 2009). From an initial group of over a dozen amateur performers, mostly elderly people, the club now has nearly 50 members, including young children and teenagers.

Every week, during regular meetings, the esteemed artist Kim Dung enthusiastically teaches the club members the skills of performing Xam singing, folk songs, Quan Ho, Cheo singing, Van singing, and even folk dances. In addition, she teaches students how to act in various roles in classic Cheo plays and Xam singing, such as: Thi Mau Going to the Pagoda, Tuan Ti Dao Hue, Xam Cho, etc.

NNND Kim Dung and members of the club

Because she loved the traditional folk songs such as chèo, xẩm, and hát văn performed by the Folk Song Club during village festivals, Ms. Dang Tuan Ha researched and decided to register to participate. She shared that she loved singing, especially traditional folk songs, since childhood, but she couldn't remember all the melodies. Under the detailed and meticulous guidance of People's Artist Kim Dung, she discovered the beauty and subtlety hidden in each lyric and melody.

To date, Ms. Dang Tuan Ha has mastered the techniques of rhythm and fan dancing, from breathing control and enunciation to embellishments and melodies, including difficult tunes such as Thap An, Trong Quan, Xam Cho, Xam Hue Tinh, Tau Dien… as well as folk songs, Quan Ho, traditional Cheo, and folk dances. It has truly been an unforgettable experience for her.

"She was very dedicated, teaching me each phrase one by one, and thanks to that, I learned so many melodies. You have to participate to truly understand and appreciate their beauty and subtleties. There are many things that, the more you learn, the more you realize their value and why they haven't disappeared since ancient times," shared Ms. Dang Tuan Ha.

NNND Kim Dung (second from the left) at the exchange event "Hanoi Women: Confident - Integrated - Connected for Success"

Not only has she reaped the rewards of her role as the "conductor" of the Folk Song Club in Moc Quan Nhan village, but People's Artist Kim Dung is also very dynamic, active, and dedicated to spreading folk music to everyone. In particular, she directly teaches classes to inspire young students.

"In a context where traditional music is at risk of disappearing, and many young people are not interested in folk music, attracting and instilling a passion for traditional music in children is both a challenge and a motivation for me. The achievements that the children have 'reaped' through various competitions and contests are a great encouragement for me. It motivates me to continue spreading this passion to all levels of society, contributing to the preservation and conservation of traditional art forms," ​​People's Artist Kim Dung confided.

Actress Kim Dung during a teaching session with young children.

Ms. Dinh Thi Nhung, a member of the club, shared that at the Moc Quan Nhan Village Folk Song Club, the members have different professions and are all grandparents. They all share a love for singing. Many are new to the melodies and musical instruments, so playing the clappers, fanning themselves, and singing along to the music is completely new to them. However, People's Artist Kim Dung always has an easy-to-understand way of teaching, helping members feel enthusiastic and passionate during practice sessions.

"When I joined the club, Ms. Dung taught me various dances, folk songs, and traditional Vietnamese singing styles, which really resonated with me. I learned very quickly, and soon I could sing and dance, and everyone praised my performances as beautiful and graceful. The members here share whatever they know with those who don't, guiding each other through singing, dancing, and activities in a very thoughtful way," Ms. Nhung shared.

The atmosphere during a training session of the club members at the Dai Bai - Van Chi house in Moc Quan Nhan village.

NNND Kim Dung could not hide her emotion upon being recognized as one of the Outstanding Citizens of Hanoi in 2024. She affirmed that this honor is not only her own achievement but also a tribute to the predecessors who taught and guided her on her artistic path, as well as the support of the community in her journey of preserving national culture. For her, this title is a great motivation to continue inspiring the younger generation, igniting passion and love for the national cultural heritage.

Despite her advanced age, People's Artist Kim Dung continues to dedicate herself tirelessly to her craft. She not only teaches singing and passes on her skills but also participates in activities to preserve and develop folk art. She always hopes and believes that her small efforts will contribute to the preservation of national cultural identity. Looking back on her journey, People's Artist Kim Dung feels proud of what she has contributed.

Source: https://vov.vn/van-hoa/am-nhac/nnnd-phan-thi-kim-dung-nguoi-gop-phan-gin-giu-lan-toa-am-nhac-dan-gian-post1138156.vov