"Singing from the heart" - 33 years of a soldier's aspirational journey

(NLDO) - A journey through music and emotional memories of the artist soldiers on the cultural and artistic front by People's Artist Thanh Dinh

Choir "Footprints Ahead" - People's Artist Thanh Dinh leads

On the morning of October 30, at the hall of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Literature and Arts Associations, the art program "Singing from the Heart" took place, attracting a large audience.

People's Artist Thanh Dinh, 90 years old, still sings well

The event took place in an emotional and solemn atmosphere, celebrating the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of the Ho Chi Minh City Veterans Song and Dance Troupe (October 30, 1992 - October 30, 2025).

For more than three decades, the artists and soldiers of the troupe have persistently raised their voices, bringing the spirit of Uncle Ho's soldiers to tens of thousands of audiences across the country, contributing to fostering patriotism and national pride through each melody.

Architect Nguyen Truong Luu, Chairman of the Union of Literature and Arts Associations of Ho Chi Minh City, spoke about People's Artist Thanh Dinh

The program opened with the song "Front Footprints" (composer Pham Minh Tuan, poem by Ho Thi Ca), led by People's Artist Thanh Dinh - the "captain" of the group, as a respectful greeting to the audience. Although he is over 90 years old, he still sings strongly and emotionally. Although his legs are no longer strong enough to stand and sing, and he sits in a wheelchair, he still maintains the demeanor and spirit of Uncle Ho's soldier.

From there, the story of the thirty-three-year journey is recreated through music , dance, narration and memories of the war in Truong Son.

People's Artist Thanh Dinh - singing from the heart of a soldier

The highlight of the program was the exchange of gratitude to People's Artist Thanh Dinh, who has been associated with and led the Ho Chi Minh City Veterans Song and Dance Troupe since its inception.

From the "old war zone to today's stage", he still keeps the passion of his profession, still sings "the song of faith and aspiration". Speaking at the program, Mr. Nguyen Truong Luu - Chairman of the Union of Literature and Arts Associations of Ho Chi Minh City acknowledged the persistent contributions of People's Artist Thanh Dinh and the group in "spreading soldiers' music in contemporary life, enriching the cultural identity of the Heroic City".

"The highest point that I know of was the program where People's Artist Thanh Dinh sang 35 songs to serve the soldiers on the battlefield. He set a record for himself and left a lot of affection for the soldiers and the public. He is a shining example. For me, he has been a People's Artist since 1966" - architect Nguyen Truong Luu commented.

The documentary "Singing from the Heart" produced by HTV, along with the interaction between MC Phan Tung Son and artists - musicians Vo Cong Banh, Tran Xuan Tien, People's Artist Ta Minh Tam, and Meritorious Artist Cao Minh, recreated the image of singer - soldier People's Artist Thanh Dinh throughout his years of dedication.

Thanh Dinh - "Singing drowns out the sound of bombs"

That is what musician Tran Xuan Tien shared when talking about People's Artist Thanh Dinh: "He is a symbol of the optimistic and steadfast spirit of a generation of artists who went through war through music."

When asked about his feelings, People's Artist Thanh Dinh simply said: "I am touched, and thank you for everyone's presence today." Then he sang the song "Steps on the Truong Son Range", causing the entire audience to join in with long, choked applause.

Musician Tran Xuan Tien (right) talks about People's Artist Thanh Dinh

Performances imbued with soldier spirit

The second part of the program is a series of elaborately staged performances, both nostalgic and youthful, connecting generations of artists of the troupe. The songs "Unification Song", "Soldier's Heart", "Meeting Comrades", "Comrades", "Hello, Lam Hong Girl", "Country of Love"... resounded among the colorful dance performances "Ban Blooming Season" and "Thap Muoi Lotus", depicting the immortal beauty of soldiers in war and daily life.

In particular, the flute solo "Anh van hanh quan" by Meritorious Artist Manh Hung and the T'rung "Mat troi va lua" by Meritorious Artist Phuong Thu brought profound highlights - the sound of nature mixed with the breath of the soldier, evoking memories of the majestic Truong Son.

People's Artist Thanh Dinh is loved by the public

Closing the program was the performance "We are Uncle Ho's soldiers", the whole group sang in a joyful and proud atmosphere. The 33-year journey of the Ho Chi Minh City Veterans' Song and Dance Troupe is a journey of faith and loyalty to artistic ideals, bringing soldiers' music closer to the audience, inspiring future generations" - architect Nguyen Truong Luu shared.

"Singing from the Heart" is an art program staged as an epic of memories, patriotism and immortal vitality in people who have gone through war. Today they still sing about peace with pride" - musician Tran Xuan Tien said.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/nsnd-thanh-dinh-voi-hanh-trinh-33-nam-day-khat-vong-cua-nguoi-linh-196251030105026837.htm