Sao Mai Khanh Ly: "I sing for patriotism, not to follow trends"

(Dan Tri) - The female singer shared that she does not follow musical trends but chooses to tell national stories with emotion and gratitude through traditional songs.

On the occasion of the 78th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947 - July 27, 2025), singer Sao Mai Khanh Ly officially released the MV Con mai voi non song , a chamber music piece set to music from Khanh Duong's poem, composed by People's Artist Pham Phuong Thao, arranged by Pham Tuan Anh, and directed by Anh Quan.

Singer Khanh Ly at the MV launch event "Con mai voi non song" on the afternoon of July 22 (Photo: Binh Quach).

On the afternoon of July 22, at the launch of the MV Con mai voi non song , singer Khanh Ly shared: "I made the MV not to follow the trend, but from my passion and personality - if I like it, I do it, if I decide to do it, I do it."

The female singer said that she is a simple person but has a special love for her country, family and music. Khanh Ly's intention to create a musical product to pay tribute to her fathers' generation was accepted by People's Artist Pham Phuong Thao and she suggested the song Con mai voi non song , which she herself composed from Khanh Duong's poem.

“As soon as I heard the first melodies, I was drawn into the historical space. The lyrics were sincere, simple but touching, touching my heart. I felt like the song was written just for me, every time I sang it, I was choked with emotion,” Khanh Ly said.

Although her father was a soldier, Khanh Ly did not tell her personal story but chose to convey the story that People's Artist Pham Phuong Thao wrote through the image of the father of the country in the MV.

From left to right: Journalist, MC Hanh An An, singer Khanh Ly, People's Artist Pham Phuong Thao, director Anh Quan interact with the audience at the event (Photo: Binh Quach).

The MV "Con mai voi non song" was directed by Anh Quan, following the memories of the battle of Quang Tri Citadel in 1972, with the story of a veteran father bringing his daughter back to the old battlefield.

The song was recorded at historical sites in Quang Tri such as: Ancient Citadel, Thach Han River, Hien Luong Bridge - 17th parallel, Truong Son Martyrs Cemetery...

The MV has a modern chamber music style, combining the depth of melody and historical spirit. This is a musical product with deep gratitude, like a respectful incense stick sent to those who fell for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland.

In particular, Khanh Ly not only sings but also transforms into a daughter, accompanying her parents.

“Although not a professional actress, Khanh Ly acts very naturally and inspires the audience. Every look, every step she takes next to her father, or every moment she gently touches the tombstones… are like words of gratitude to the heroes and martyrs,” commented director Anh Quan.

Under the harsh weather of the Central region, the scenes were filmed continuously from early morning to late at night. However, Khanh Ly did not complain but actively cooperated with the crew.

“I chose to go to Quang Tri not to film the MV, but to pay tribute to the heroes and martyrs. The scene that I remember most was when I released lanterns on the banks of the Thach Han River in the middle of the night. I stood alone in the middle of the water, thinking of the soldiers of the past carrying weapons across the river, my emotions exploded,” Khanh Ly said.

People's Artist Quoc Hung expressed his emotion when Khanh Ly chose a path that did not follow trends, but was full of humanistic meaning (Photo: Binh Quach).

At the MV launch, many veteran artists in the traditional music industry expressed their emotion and appreciation for the efforts of singer Khanh Ly and her team. In the context of the music market increasingly leaning towards the market, they believe that preserving patriotism and traditional values through music is a valuable thing.

People's Artist Do Quoc Hung - Director of the Vietnam National Academy of Music - shared that the combination of Khanh Ly and musician Pham Phuong Thao created a complete emotional whole: "Pham Phuong Thao is a songwriter but also a singer, so the sentences are very musical and delicate. Khanh Ly's voice has a diverse color, knowing how to evoke emotions.

I was very touched when watching the MV, especially when I knew that director Anh Quan continued to maintain the meticulousness in every frame like the projects I have collaborated on."

People's Artist Quang Tho shared his pride when his student Khanh Ly produced a musical product to pay tribute to his father's generation (Photo: Binh Quach).

As Khanh Ly’s teacher, People’s Artist Quang Tho expressed: “The MV recalls the heroic years in Quang Tri - where I performed many times. Now the music flow is very wide, many new branches have appeared, but red music is less noticed. Therefore, I really appreciate young artists like Khanh Ly who still keep that flame alive, so that traditional music continues to spread and be preserved for a long time.”

Singer Nguyen Khanh Ly won Second Prize in the Hanoi Television Singing Contest in 2006, Third Prize in Sao Mai 2011 in the chamber music category, Second Prize in the Ho Chi Minh City Chamber Music - Opera Contest in 2017.

The female singer has released many notable music products such as: Album Mien xa tham, album Mua la du qua , album Loi ru nguon goi, MV Mua dong khong lanh, MV Khuc ru, MV Khuc mua xuan, MV Co Dang sang soi...

Nguyen Khanh Ly successfully defended her doctoral thesis in music in 2023. She is currently a lecturer at the Vocal Department - Vietnam National Academy of Music.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giai-tri/sao-mai-khanh-ly-toi-hat-vi-long-yeu-nuoc-khong-theo-trao-luu-20250723081052437.htm