LookAtVietnam – After more than 40 years in music, People’s Artist Nguyen Thi Thu Hien has performed on 30 albums praising folk songs in different styles from the north, south and central regions of the country.

Divine and bright: People’s Artist Nguyen Thi Thu Hien.

Born in Thai Binh Province, Hien began her career when she was 10. Through her mother’s lullabies, Hien fell in love with folk songs.

After four years of studying music and theatre at the Ha Noi Theatre and Arts School, Hien decided to become a professional singer and perform traditional music.

To sing folk songs perfectly, Hien faced difficulties in improving her voice and performance skills.

Vietnamese folk music is mostly created in three styles based on region: north, south and central. Each style of music requires specific vocal skills.

“Songs in the northern style are very different to southern and central styles,” says Hien, one of the country’s few singers who can perform well in three styles.

Hien says that when she performs songs about central people and their lifestyle she feels like a local.

One of her most favourite songs is Mot Khuc Tam Tinh Nguoi Ha Tinh (A Melody About Ha Tinh Province’s People), a work by famous composer Van Ty.

Through the song, her voice is strong and hot, making Hien popular even among the country’s pop fans.

In the song, Hien sings with the voice of the central province of Ha Tinh, taking her fans on a trip full of landscapes and local people at work.

“After listening to Hien, I feel the wind and sunshine of my native province, Ha Tinh, even though I live far away from it,” says Nguyen Van Thanh, one of Hien’s fans, who lives in HCM City.

“Hien understands our people’s lifestyle. No one can sing as well about the love for country and people without thinking of money and glory.”

Audiences have been won over by Hien in many songs like Cau Ho Ben Bo Hien Luong (Singing a Folk Song at the Bank of Hien Luong River) by Hoang Hiep and Quang Binh Que Ta Oi (Quang Binh, My Native Land ) by Hoang Van.

Through traditional songs, Hien has found ways to win the hearts of music lovers, both old and young, particularly fans in remote areas who enjoy music via radio.

For her contribution in developing traditional music, Hien received the honor People’s Artist by the Government in 1993.

“Hien is old but her voice is young forever. Traditional singers like Hien can evoke a love of folk music among young people,” says Nguyen Kim Phuong, director of the Tre Music Studio Centre in HCM City – which produced 20 solo albums featuring Hien’s voice.

Hien’s latest album will be released this month and will feature songs in praise of the country’s beauty by Pham Duy and Hoang Thi Tho.

“My love for traditional music keeps my voice rich,” says the 57-year-old singer.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News