VietNamNet Bridge - A person once compared the life of People’s Artist Quang Tho to a bed of sparkling coal which has smoldered for 40 years. With a wonderful bel canto, he is considered an excellent operatic vocalist in Vietnamese vocal music.

People’s Artist Quang Tho

Quang Tho has been loyal to the academic music genre for over 40 years. His name has been closely connected with immortal songs, such as “The Hanoian” composed by Nguyen Dinh Thi, “Separation” by Doan Man, “Love Song” by Hoang Viet, “Red Leaves” by Hoang Hiep and Nguyen Dinh Thi, “The Sailor’s Heart-to-Heart Talk” by Hoang Van, “Looking Towards Hanoi” by Hoang Duong, “Lo River Epic” by Van Cao, “Vietnam ! We are Proud to Advance” by Chu Minh and Hoang Trung Thong, etc.

He has been renowned for his bel canto in the new music of Vietnam and won his audience’s admiration.

Quang Tho’s singing career began from a mining area during wartime in the country. Before becoming a singer he worked as a miner for eight years. Whether working underground in the coal mine or aboveground at the mining site under the scorching sunshine he used to sing to entertain the workers.

He sang with the heart of a miner, which popularized the songs about the workers, such as “Rhythm of the Driller” composed by Trong Bang, “Starlight at Night” by Pham Tuyen and “I am a Miner” by Hoang Van. The joys and sorrows in the miners’ life inspired him to sing and encouraged him to realize his dream to become a singer.

People’s Artist Quang Tho has his own singing style. Thanks to his innate baritone voice plus his skilful technique of vocalization and professional performing style, his songs become emotive and flamboyant.

He has been well known for his successful singing of academic songs as well as romantic and melodious songs. For love songs, he has his own way of singing, very professional and romantic, standing out from his peers.

During his singing career, Quang Tho has left many deep imprints in Vietnamese modern vocal music. Apart from winning great prizes at home and abroad he has been conferred the title of People’s Artist.

He has also achieved successes in his professional work, becoming Head of the Vocal Music Department at the Hanoi Conservatory. He is one among few artists who have obtained a MA degree in vocal music performance.

Although holding the post of a manager now, People’s Artist Quang Tho still has a thirst for singing. He said that he had sung for over 40 years, but he would continue to sing until he passes away.

(Source: Vietnam Pictorial)