I used to cry because I didn't understand why I was so stupid.

In May 2024, artist Ngo Huong Diep experienced continuous joy as she consecutively won two International Music Awards in the field of opera . These were the overall victory at the Georges Bizet International Music Competition and first prize at the Golden Classical Music Awards - International Competition. These achievements are the result of a long process of pursuing her passion, filled with patience and hard work.

PV Dan Viet had a conversation with artist Ngo Huong Diep.

Having won top prizes at two major international opera competitions , how do you feel?

- I'm happy that my singing voice has been recognized by professionals around the world . These are all prestigious competitions that have been held for many years. When I submitted my entry, I didn't dare expect much in terms of achievement.

I learned about the Georges Bizet International Music Competition just before the registration deadline. Prior to that, in March 2024, I played Carmen – a character in the opera of the same name by the world-renowned composer Georges Bizet, staged by the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet Theatre. Therefore, I immediately submitted a video performance of three songs to the competition.

Two months later, I received notification that I had won the competition along with a Chinese opera singer. Recently, the organizers of the Golden Classical Music Awards - International Competition also announced that I had won first prize overall. With this achievement, I was invited to perform a song at the Walt Disney Theatre in Los Angeles, USA.

Opera singer Ngo Huong Diep. (Photo: Provided by the artist)

What is it about opera that you are so passionate about and dedicated to?

- Ever since I was a student at the National Academy of Music, every time I watched my teacher - the late Meritorious Artist Nguyen Phuong Lan - perform at the Grand Theatre, I was captivated by her voice, yearning for the day I could stand before a large orchestra and sing like her.

The more I studied opera, the more I realized it's a difficult art form, requiring good musical sense, diligence, and perseverance. Every day, I listen to and am captivated by the voices and melodies of famous artists, and I'm delighted when my own singing improves. For me, opera is captivating because it seems to have no end, no limits, stimulating the creativity and hard work of the artist.

In fact, pursuing a professional artistic career is like being an athlete; you have to train every day. Neglecting it for even a short time will lead to setbacks and failure.

Opera is a classical and elegant art form, but it also appeals to a very select audience. How did you get into opera?

- My father worked in the performing arts troupe of Quang Ninh province. From a young age, I inherited from him a sense of music, a beautiful voice, and a love for melodies. Naturally, like many other young people, I didn't listen to opera, and I was completely unfamiliar with orchestras and all kinds of instruments on stage.

At 18, I applied to the National Academy of Music for the first time, but… I failed. I failed because I hadn't prepared, and also because of my insecurity and hesitation about pursuing music due to my chubby, short stature. Then, I dropped out and studied something else for two years, until my mother finally said, "I think you're best suited for singing, don't go studying anything else!"

Following my mother's advice, I returned to the National Academy of Music, diligently studied, and passed the entrance exam. My mentor at the time was Meritorious Artist Nguyen Phuong Lan. She told me, "You have a good voice, you have passion, just be confident and conquer this genre of music." She was also the one who later guided me to become an artist at the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet Theatre.

I sometimes tell that story to my students and friends, hoping to spread positivity. Sometimes, in life, good things don't come to us immediately. I never thought I would be selected to study abroad, become a soloist at the theater, and then conquer international awards like I have today.

Actress Ngo Huong Diep as Carmen in the opera of the same name. (Photo: Provided by the artist)

The road to success wasn't all roses. Were there times when you felt discouraged or thought you weren't suited for opera?

- Sometimes I still remember what it was like when I was studying abroad in Romania, a country with many world-renowned opera singers. Those were cold winter days, with snow covering the streets, and I wouldn't leave music school until late at night.

I can endure any hardship, loneliness is no problem for me, but what disappoints me most is that I've been studying for a while but haven't made any progress. I practiced and practiced, and I burst into tears thinking why I'm so stupid.

After dwelling on it for a while, I realized that perhaps the teacher's methods weren't suitable for me. I sought out extra classes, diligently improved my skills, and soon made significant progress.

Just like in sports, there's always competition in the arts. As a soloist, have you ever thought that you'll always have to take on the lead role?

- Of course, every artist puts in their best effort whenever there's a project. We compete not only with each other but also with our past selves, and that competition keeps the art world constantly evolving.

I don't think I always have to play the lead role. However, before accepting any role, I always set a clear goal: to ensure no one can surpass what I can deliver on stage.

If it's a leading role, how should I express the emotions? If it's a supporting role, what should I do to avoid outshining the lead, while still making an impression on stage? Of course, people can still surpass me later, but the goal is what motivates me to "give my all," to be passionate about my profession, whether the role is big or small.

The happy family of artist Ngo Huong Diep. (Photo: Provided by the artist)

Do you think Vietnamese audiences have become more open to opera?

- The fact that opera has a limited audience is undeniable. Personally, I think it's unreasonable to expect a difficult genre of music to be performed everywhere, especially since Vietnam isn't the birthplace of this art form. In Romania, I've witnessed people performing opera in parks and train stations.

In recent years, I've seen encouraging signs as more and more audiences are becoming interested in opera. Among them are many Gen Z individuals, those who have studied abroad or received vocal training from a young age… There are also audience members over 60 who never miss a show, always patient and supportive of us artists, even on days when the sound quality isn't ideal…

She didn't get married until she was over 30. Could her husband be one of her fans?

- My husband sings well and loves music, but he's in a different profession and doesn't have many opportunities to listen to me sing opera. Over the years, I've been fortunate to always have his support in pursuing my dreams, creating opportunities for me to perform and teach.

Many times, he would give me feedback on how to sing Vietnamese songs while listening to me practice, as an audience member. His comments were usually quite accurate, which is why I've often asked my husband for his opinion since we got married.

I'm also fortunate to have an understanding mother and mother-in-law. They are always ready to support me in taking care of my child, helping me to return to work and my passion for art as soon as possible.

Thanks for sharing!

Source: https://danviet.vn/nu-nghe-si-viet-gianh-2-giai-thuong-am-nhac-quoc-te-toi-tung-bat-khoc-vi-khong-hieu-sao-minh-dot-the-20240530131538736.htm