Tran Bao Chau - The artist who "breathes life" into folk music

Amidst the modern pace of life, there is an artist who still chooses his own path, preserving and spreading the quintessence of the nation through traditional music. That is Tran Bao Chau, the artist who has devoted all his heart to the pipa, bringing Vietnamese music to the world.

Tran Bao Chau (born in 2000 in Hanoi) is one of the Vietnamese artists performing at Expo 2025, a global exhibition showcasing traditional Vietnamese music to international audiences. We had the opportunity to meet Bao Chau after her five-month tour in Osaka, Japan. What impressed us most was her sincerity, openness, and enthusiasm.

Artist Tran Bao Chau. Photo provided by the subject.

For Bao Chau, her time in Japan was not just a series of tireless performances, but also a journey of bringing Vietnamese traditional music to a foreign country filled with indescribable emotions. “During this tour, I experienced so many emotions. Both Japanese and international audiences showed a great love for Vietnamese traditional music. When they saw the traditional instruments, they not only enjoyed the music but were also eager to try playing them. Some audience members came to listen for days on end, which made me very happy because I was able to bring Vietnamese traditional music closer to international friends,” Bao Chau said.

At the Expo 2025 International Exhibition, Bao Chau had the opportunity to perform not only the pipa, an instrument she has been dedicated to for 10 years, but also the K'long Put, a unique instrument found only in Vietnam, made from bamboo. The uniqueness of the instrument, combined with the graceful rhythmic tapping of the young artist's hands, created an impressive orchestral performance of "Spring Arrives." Throughout their five-month journey in Japan, the sounds imbued with the national character of folk songs, traditional melodies, Hue court music, and epic songs from the highlands resonated proudly amidst the applause of the audience and the skillful artistry of the orchestra. Even more special was the opportunity for the orchestra to perform at the Vietnamese Consulate General's Theater in Osaka.

Bao Chau emotionally shared: “That day was a very solemn ceremony, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long, held in an extremely large theater. The atmosphere was so silent that you could clearly hear your own heartbeat, but that very silence showed the audience's respect.”

Traditional music often comes to artists through a very special "destiny." For Bao Chau, her journey to the pipa (Chinese lute) was like fate. From a young age, her mother enrolled her in piano, dance, and ballet lessons. At the age of 16, when she was preparing for the entrance exam to the 10th grade, a chance opportunity opened a completely new door. Bao Chau recounted: "Normally, to enter the Conservatory, you have to study from elementary or middle school, so at that time I was only old enough to study vocal music or traditional music. Because vocal music requires many elements, I chose traditional music. Luckily, I had studied music since I was young, so the approach was easier."

Initially, Bao Chau didn't think she would pursue a professional career playing the pipa. She continued her studies at the Foreign Language Specialized High School. Afterward, she graduated from the Conservatory of Music and furthered her education at the Academy of Journalism and Communication. No one in her family pursued art, and her mother hoped her daughter would find a stable job. However, opportunities kept coming. Teaching musical instruments to young children, performing tours, and most recently, her special trip to the Expo 2025 International Exhibition in Osaka, Japan – all seemed like fateful notes that led Bao Chau down the path of art.

Every artist has memorable milestones on their artistic journey, and Bao Chau is no exception: “The first stage I remember most is the 2015 Folk Song and Traditional Instrument Festival. At that time, even though my guitar skills were still developing, I performed a self-composed piece, which was edited and arranged by People's Artist Mai Phuong. As a result, I won first prize, the first milestone in my 10-year journey with music,” Bao Chau said.

Artist Tran Bao Chau and other Vietnamese artists perform at the Expo 2025 International Exhibition in Osaka, Japan. Photo provided by the subject.

Each melody she sings tells a story about the country, about traditional values, told from the heart. In each performance, she conveys a story, transmitting profound messages about the history, people, and traditional cultural values ​​of Vietnam. Music is the special language Bao Chau uses to connect with and share national pride with audiences both domestically and internationally.

Throughout that journey, every step taken by the young people is marked by the presence of dedicated teachers. For People's Artist Mai Phương, formerly a lecturer at the Vietnam National Academy of Music and a pioneer in composing, performing, and improving the pipa (Chinese lute) in Vietnam, the greatest happiness is not only being on stage, but also seeing her students, like Bảo Châu, continuing their love for this traditional instrument. People's Artist Mai Phương shared: "Bảo Châu is a talented, creative, intelligent student who is especially passionate about her profession. She is determined in everything she studies. I really enjoy teaching Bảo Châu because she is always enthusiastic and passionate about music."

Throughout her journey with traditional music, Bao Chau has continuously sought opportunities to develop and spread her passion. Speaking about her future career plans, she shared: “I plan to continue my involvement with traditional music, both teaching to pass on my passion to children and young people, and maintaining my performing career. If I'm lucky, I hope to be able to participate in Expo 2027 in Serbia.”

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/giai-tri/tran-bao-chau-nghe-si-thoi-hon-vao-am-nhac-dan-toc-1011081