Originally from Quang Nam, artist Phan Tro and his family moved to Gia Lai-Kon Tum province (formerly) when he was very young. When he finished high school, he accidentally learned that some professors of the Hue National Music School (now Hue Academy of Music) were going to the Central Highlands to recruit the first class after the country's reunification (1975), so he registered. With his natural talent, he easily passed the singing and rhythm exams.
Initially, he chose to study a Western instrument, the violin. However, because the Faculty of Traditional Vietnamese Musical Instruments had few students, he and a few others were encouraged to switch. Among the massive array of traditional musical instruments, the bamboo flute suddenly caught his attention. Since then, he has spent nearly 50 years with the flute as a predestined relationship.
Artist Phan Tro said: To perform bamboo flute skillfully, the artist must practice hard to possess a long, strong breath; at the same time, he must focus on practicing from breathing techniques to more difficult, complex techniques such as: repetition, vibrato, single-tongue playing, double-tongue playing, breath transmission... Only then can he convey the spirit of each piece, sometimes majestic and exciting, sometimes deep and gentle.
After graduating in 1982, artist Phan Tro worked at the Department of Culture of Gia Lai-Kon Tum province (formerly). With his professional training in one of the country's great musical "cradles", he was not afraid of hardships when he and the provincial mobile propaganda team performed thousands of performances in villages over the course of 10 years.
He recalled: The people at the grassroots level are very fond of the flute because it is close to their daily life. Many nights, when the performance has ended, people still linger, not wanting to go home. Although the conditions for traveling, living, and performing in remote areas are extremely difficult, seeing the way the people look forward to each performance, he and his team find their mission even more meaningful.
After that, although he was transferred to work at the Administrative Organization Department and the Cultural and Arts Department (Cultural and Information Center, later the Provincial Cultural, Cinema and Tourism Center), artist Phan Tro still did well in office work and participated in performing arts.
In addition to visiting villages, he also regularly performs at Border Guard stations in the province. The sincere feelings and enthusiasm of soldiers when enjoying art bring the artist abundant emotions every time he performs.
Among the “special songs” of this bamboo flute artist are many songs praising soldiers such as: Anh van hanh quan, Tren duong chien thang, Tieng flute nguoi linh tre, Cung hanh quan giu mua xuan… With the spirit of selfless and wholehearted dedication, in 2014, artist Phan Tro was awarded the “For border security and sovereignty” Medal by the Border Guard Command.
Meritorious Artist Dang Cong Hung - Vice Chairman in charge of the Provincial Literature and Arts Association: “Artist Phan Tro was formally trained in the bamboo flute. He is passionate about his training, contributing to the Provincial Mobile Propaganda Team to improve the cultural and spiritual life of the people at the grassroots level. After retirement, he is still enthusiastic about teaching this musical instrument. He is a responsible member, participating in many poetry and music programs of the Association. Despite his old age, he always "burns" himself out, is always meticulous, and seeks to express new things."
The clear, melodious sound, in harmony with nature, of the bamboo flute is very suitable for melodies praising love for the homeland such as: Returning to the homeland, Shadow of the Kơ nia tree, Hanoi-Hue-Sai Gon...
When artist Phan Tro used his small flute to play those sounds, the image of the country seemed to fill the space, imbued with emotion.
Currently, artist Phan Tro is the only member of the Provincial Music Association - Literature and Arts Association who performs bamboo flute professionally.
This talented artist also plays the monochord very well, so poetry and music programs organized by the provincial Literature and Arts Association are rarely without his flute and guitar. After many years of retirement, he still enthusiastically supports the mass art movement, opening bamboo flute classes for those who love the traditional musical instrument of the nation.
Talking to us, artist Phan Tro shared: “The greatest value that music brings to my life is to make myself happier and love life more. I can play many musical instruments but I still love the flute the most. To me, it is a lifelong soul mate.”
Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/nghe-si-phan-tro-tieng-sao-tri-am-post317374.html
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