People's Artist Thanh Hai has passed away.

On May 26th, People's Artist Thanh Hai passed away after a long battle with a serious illness. His passing has left many colleagues and audiences deeply saddened.

People's Artist Thanh Hai was born in 1957 into a family with a tradition in Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera). His father was a zither player, and his mother was the late artist Bich Dan, a pioneering Cai Luong actress of the Phuong Dong Cai Luong troupe (Hai Phong). Having been exposed to music from a young age, he showed talent with his understanding of the bầu and tranh instruments… He previously worked with the Ho Chi Minh City Performing Arts Troupe and the Tran Huu Trang Theater…

People's Artist Thanh Hai at the time of participating in the Cai Luong Academy program.

Photo: TL

Previously, People's Artist Thanh Hai, along with artist Van Gioi, formed a famous musical duo, leaving a lasting impression on audiences with the Vong Kim Lang melody. In one program, the male artist said that he felt "like someone who gathers the best elements from all the traditional Vietnamese music genres and blends them with Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) into a beautiful musical performance."

Throughout his career, People's Artist Thanh Hai has been concerned about bringing Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) closer to younger audiences. That's why he has partnered with the Cai Luong Academy of People's Artist Bach Tuyet. Sharing his thoughts in the program, People's Artist Thanh Hai once advised the younger generation: "I hope that if young people want to specialize in this field, they should take the time to learn from those who came before them to secure a good position on the stage, and together contribute to making the art of Cai Luong stronger and stronger."

“Our ancestors have left us a precious cultural treasure. The important thing is that I and you, we, continue to preserve it. Our contributions may be small, but we must do it. We expect you to continue spreading cải lương (Vietnamese traditional opera) to preserve this valuable art form,” People's Artist Thanh Hải further shared.

Colleagues mourn the passing of People's Artist Thanh Hai.

Director Hong Dung was shocked to receive the news about People's Artist Thanh Hai. For her, he was a talented artist and a true friend. She said: “Memories of organizing the Tran Huu Trang Award ceremony far from home, filled with joy thanks to his charming stories, came flooding back. Then, during the days we spent together at the Artists' Benevolent Association, discussing and sharing difficulties and successes, his opinions were sincere, frank, and full of responsibility.”

People's Artist Thanh Hai was loved and respected by many colleagues throughout his career.

Photo: TL

According to director Hong Dung, People's Artist Thanh Hai always offered appropriate and thoughtful suggestions, providing a valuable balance in contributing to and building the stability of the Artists' Benevolent Association. Speaking further about People's Artist Thanh Hai, director Hong Dung said: “He wasn't lenient, but he wasn't overly strict either. We respected each other's opinions and contributions, which, looking back, were invaluable. I didn't think he would pass away so soon. He has left a huge void in the music and theatrical arts, especially in Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera).”

According to director Nguyen Thanh Hiep, People's Artist Thanh Hai was a talented, humble, and skilled artist who always listened attentively, was calm yet profound. "He was not just a musician; he was the 'keeper of the flame' for generations of artists, a source of spiritual support for the entire crew whenever the stage lights came on," the director said. Meanwhile, artists Thanh Hang, People's Artist Viet Anh, and others also expressed their sorrow at the passing of this dedicated artist to Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera).

His funeral was held at the Artists' Pagoda (Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City), after which his remains were cremated at Long Tho Tower Park (Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City).

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nsnd-thanh-hai-qua-doi-185250526221848947.htm