Quan Ho "Ambassador" from village temple to international stage

People's Artist Thuy Huong was born in 1967 and has been involved in traditional folk art since 1984. Born in Kinh Bac, she is loved for her natural, rustic and vibrant voice. In addition to her role as a Quan Ho singer, she is also a film actress who has participated in the films Dam Hoang and Thuong Nho Dong Que.

People's Artist Thuy Huong always proudly calls herself "a country girl" as an affirmation of her roots. In 2001, she was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist and in 2012, at the age of 45, Thuy Huong became the youngest People's Artist among 74 artists honored at the same time.

Even though she is a grandmother, People's Artist Thuy Huong is still very young.

Voice of People's Artist Thuy Huong:

Although retired, she is still active in performing at festivals, important cultural events and teaching Quan Ho both in person and online. She teaches students from all over the world, including overseas Vietnamese in Europe and America. "Teaching online is also fun. I not only teach singing but also discuss communication methods and the phrases Quan Ho singers use to lead into songs," Thuy Huong confided in the program Loi Tu Su.

People's Artist Thuy Huong's life is full of joy and laughter. Despite being a famous artist, she is still responsible for housework, balancing her artistic career and family responsibilities well. Family is the foundation for career development. During her 41 years of artistic activities, the support from her family has helped her stay steadfast on the path she has chosen.

Recently, People's Artist Thuy Huong officially became a grandmother. The role of grandmother brings People's Artist Thuy Huong many new and happy experiences. However, the special thing is that even though she has become a grandmother, she still maintains her youthfulness and dynamism in her work.

People's Artist Thuy Huong in the movie "Missing the Countryside" by director Dang Nhat Minh.

The 'Bac Bling' phenomenon - a boost for quan ho culture

People's Artist Thuy Huong has approached digital technology since 2019. In the short 6 years, she has made the most of technology to spread Quan Ho. Her a cappella songs without background music on YouTube and TikTok attract a lot of interaction.

She recorded a clip of herself singing Quan Ho in front of the temple, without background music or lights, just with her phone. Young people like to learn from the a cappella songs because they can hear all the nuances and vibrato of Quan Ho. They text the artist to ask what time she teaches so they can follow along.

Regarding the recent Bac Bling phenomenon of Hoa Minzy, People's Artist Thuy Huong feels very proud of the children of Bac Ninh . She said Tuan Cry is from Yen Phong, Hoa Minzy is from Que Vo - the same hometown as her. The MV Bac Bling is like an advertisement for Bac Ninh tourism , a huge boost not only domestically but also globally.

The success of Bac Bling also spread to the culture of traditional costumes. After the MV appeared, many audiences from Ho Chi Minh City, Nam Dinh, Quang Ninh, Hai Duong, Hai Phong called her to ask her to order Quan Ho costumes.

People's Artist Thuy Huong believes that the influence of music on culture is extremely important, creating a strong "destructive" force.

People's Artist Thuy Huong is confident with a crow's beak scarf and a five-panel dress.

Innovation within the framework - the secret to preserving the soul of Quan Ho

People's Artist Thuy Huong is a pioneer in reforming Quan Ho. In 2006, she released the CD and DVD Nho Mai Khong Nguoi and Cap Non Don Do, arranged by People's Artist Nguyen Tien, with electronic mixes. Initially, there were many controversial opinions, but after only 2 years, everyone warmly welcomed them.

Thuy Huong used to sing Quan Ho with a symphony orchestra and participated in the program "Duong xa van dam" by musician Quoc Trung - a special innovative program with Western instruments in jazz style.

Her artistic philosophy is very clear: "Music always needs newness and change for artists to be creative and find their own style. But when it comes to change, we must be creative, innovative within the framework, and innovative within the framework."

People's Artist Thuy Huong especially emphasized the importance of preserving the core of Quan Ho: "The important thing is that Quan Ho does not lose its roots but spreads and develops. That is the commitment to UNESCO since it was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity."

Her secret to staying young is to renew herself in spirit and in her artistic path. Until now, Thuy Huong still studies, researches, and learns from young people and old artisans. She learns anything that is good, beautiful, and excellent. Thuy Huong hopes to pass on her love of Quan Ho to her grandchildren and the next generation, continuing the national cultural tradition that she has spent her whole life preserving and developing.

Minh Nghia

Photo: FBNV

Dao To Loan burst into tears, People's Artist Thuy Huong admired singer Vu Thuy Linh's determination . Dao To Loan burst into tears, People's Artist Thuy Huong expressed her admiration when witnessing singer Vu Thuy Linh's efforts to bring folk melodies to young audiences.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/thuy-huong-45-tuoi-len-nsnd-lam-ba-noi-o-tuoi-58-2400720.html