Meritorious Artist with both talent and beauty brings the Vietnamese monochord to all five continents

In the middle of the brightly lit stage, an artist appeared with a youthful, modern appearance, completely different from the familiar image of a monochord player in a traditional ao dai, that is Meritorious Artist Le Giang. She has spent more than 30 years of her life attached to the monochord, a one-stringed musical instrument with a tone like a lullaby, like the voice of the Vietnamese people.

More than 3 decades with one love

"In the past, when I was still in school, most of my friends thought I was learning piano, no one thought I was learning the monochord - a traditional musical instrument. Maybe because my style and appearance were completely different from the usual image of people who play this instrument," Meritorious Artist Le Giang recalled with a smile.

Meritorious Artist Le Giang.

Le Giang has had a love affair with the monochord since she was a child. Her mother is a professional zither player, so Le Giang grew up in a musical environment, listening and watching artists perform since she was a child. Once watching TV and hearing the sound of the monochord, she was immediately fascinated and proactively asked her mother to let her study it. That love followed her throughout her long journey: 7 years of elementary school, 4 years of intermediate school, 4 years of university, then 2 years of master's degree. Le Giang studied diligently for 15 years before becoming a lecturer at the Vietnam National Academy of Music.

For her, the monochord is not only a musical instrument but also a confidant. "All the joys and sorrows and memories of my life are conveyed through the instrument. I cannot leave it," she confided.

The hardships of the folk artist

Li Jiang's artistic path was not all roses. When she first graduated, the salary of a young lecturer was too low, not enough to cover her living expenses, which made her hesitate to pursue this career. Difficulties continued when she got married and had children. "If I didn't work hard to gain a position in the profession, I might not be able to support myself, let alone my family," she recalled.

In nearly 30 years of performing, Meritorious Artist Le Giang has brought the Vietnamese monochord to more than 80 countries and territories.

But then, every time she performed abroad and witnessed international audiences moved by the sound of the monochord, she was given more strength: "They looked at me with respect and love for their instrument. I thought, I cannot give it up." And she chose to continue on that path with all her heart.

Li Jiang has performed in many continents, sometimes visiting one country 15-20 times. Japan is the place that left the deepest impression on her because the audience there especially loves traditional Vietnamese art. Some people followed the troupe for a whole month, coming to watch every performance.

"I remember once playing a Vietnamese melody and seeing the audience in tears. They even asked to touch the instrument and try to play. At that moment, I understood that the music had touched their hearts," she emotionally recounted.

In 2019, she was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist, a well-deserved recognition for her persistent contributions. During her career, Le Giang won 3 individual Gold medals at the National Instrumental Solo and Ensemble Festival (2010, 2015, 2018) and many other awards.

Besides performing, she also teaches diligently, inspiring the younger generation.

"I am grateful to my family, teachers, and ancestors for giving me love and attachment to the monochord. Now, I want to pass that love on to the children - those who will continue the sound of the nation's instrument," said Le Giang.

Meritorious Artist Le Giang once thought about finding another job. But then she chose to stay, giving her whole heart to the monochord.

Meritorious Artist Le Giang shared that her family supported her a lot so that she could devote all her heart and soul to nurturing the Dan Bau, and the instrument did not let her down. It has taken her all over the world , bringing her fame, career, and above all, the happiness of living with passion.

"Just love, give everything you have, and you will receive it back," she smiled. For Le Giang, the monochord is the most precious gift life has given her.

Meritorious Artist Le Giang will play the monochord solo "Country" in the Concert Forever 2025.

Having participated in Forever Things 2023 , this year Meritorious Artist Le Giang continues to return to perform solo Motherland ( composer Tran Manh Hung) with the Sun Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Olivier Ochanine.

"In the flow of contemporary Vietnamese music, Motherland by musician Tran Manh Hung is a special mark. Not only because this is the work that won the Second Prize - Award of the Vietnam Musicians Association in 2010 in the genre written for the monochord, but also because it opens up a unique space of intersection between traditional music and Western symphony orchestra.

Motherland carries within itself the image of a tolerant, vibrant homeland, a place that nurtures and protects the Vietnamese people. Musical themes are continuously developed, from slow, intimate musical phrases to majestic climaxes.

The re-enactment of the work reaches a brilliant and solid level, depicting the strength of solidarity and national pride, very suitable for performance in the program Dieu con mai - where the sounds are resounded at the sacred hour of the nation - 2:00 p.m. on National Day, September 2nd", Meritorious Artist Le Giang shared.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nsut-mang-tieng-dan-bau-viet-nam-di-khap-nam-chau-la-ai-2430828.html