Through many historical ups and downs, traditional Vietnamese musical instruments still maintain strong vitality to raise melodies imbued with the soul, dreams and aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous and happy life. Somewhere in the midst of a busy life; such highly popular traditional Vietnamese musical instruments as flutes (transverse flute made of bamboo or hardwood) and ‘dan bau’ (Viet Nam’s indigenous monochord zither), still act as a bridge between people and nature, as well as promote the culture of the Vietnamese ethnic community to friends in all continents.

Artiste Nguyen Thanh Phuong (first from left) joins a performance at Da Nang-located Nguyen Hien Dinh Tuong Theater. Photo: KHANH HOA

Enduring vitality over historical periods

The ‘Vietnamese soul’ art show performed by Nguyen Hien Dinh Tuong (classic drama) Theater is an attractive spiritual product. It is a traditional art programme featuring Tuong excerpts and the harmonious combination of ethnic musical instruments by highly-skilled artistes of Nguyen Hien Dinh Tuong Theater.

There is no denying that in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life, such a motional show really promotes young people to immerse themselves into smooth melodies deeply imbued with love for the homeland.

Artiste Nguyen Thanh Phuong, the Deputy Director of Nguyen Hien Dinh Tuong Theater said, that before starting his work at the theater in 2009, he spent 7 years studying Vietnamese monochord at the Hue Academy of Music.

However, in order to become an artiste capable of confidently performing on stage, the artist also had many years of learning experience from predecessors; diligently and professionally practicing and improving the ability to shine on the stage.

Artiste Nguyen Thanh Phuong confided that, in the common treasure of national music, traditional instruments always occupy an important position. In addition, although there is not much space to perform in magnificent stages with a large number of passionate fans, they always show off a lasting vitality against the passing of time.

Ethnic musical instruments all have the process of formation and development at the same time, containing the values and special cultural significance. Each traditional musical instrument has its own characteristics, its own expression and special resonance, but shares the same breath and soul of the national culture.

“Only people with good musical aesthetic sensibilities and deep musical knowledge can create good performances of traditional Vietnamese musical instruments. Therefore, when enjoying folk and traditional music, the audience not only knows the melody and type of national musical instrument but also enjoys the improvisation and admire talent of artistes. Therefore, people often consider each ethnic musical instrument as a cultural messenger to promote Vietnamese culture to international friends," artiste Thanh Phuong said

Precious resources that cannot be irreplaceable

Forming and maintaining its attraction for nearly 7 decades, the traditional orchestra with 12 professional artistes at the Nguyen Hien Dinh Tuong Theater is the only of its kind traditional orchestra in Da Nang that brings together a full range of traditional musical instruments. It is one of the city’s unique cultural products, often performed in programmes welcoming international delegations to the city or on occasions to serve both locals, domestic and foreign tourists.

According to artiste Thanh Phuong said that tourists, especially foreigners, are always fascinated by the uniqueness, attractiveness of traditional Vietnamese musical instruments. For example, when it comes to Viet Nam’s indigenous monochord zither, many foreigners want to know why  such an instrument with only one string can play a whole artwork, even those in their country.

In fact, traditional musical instruments are an irreplaceable precious asset of traditional music and national culture as a whole. At present, traditional music is still an important part of the troupe's performances. In particular, some musicians always strive to incorporate the sounds of traditional musical instruments into their compositions.

Being fully aware of the mission in the journey of preserving traditional cultural values, for many years, the Nguyen Hien Dinh Tuong Theater has always been interested in training the next generation of artistes.

The theater also actively practiced and staged performances at the National Competition for Solo and Concert of National Ethnic Instruments jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Viet Nam Musicians’ Association to honor, preserve and promote the values of traditional music. This is also an opportunity for the theater’s artistes to show off their abilities and promote professional experience exchanges.

Ethnic musical instruments are having new flourishes due to the increasing demand for culture and music in particular. In addition to enjoying Western symphonic music, the audience require traditional music to be new and creative to suit the tastes of all walks of life and to find out how it works to promote the development of traditional music genres in the new era.

Reporting by KHANH HOA - Translating by A.THU