Moc Quan Nhan Village (also known as Ke Moc), now in Nhan Chinh Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi, has long been known as one of the areas with the most traditional cultural and artistic traditions in Hanoi. However, for some reasons, the cultural and artistic movement here has gradually faded away.
Fortunately, there is an artist who, although not originally from this place, has made efforts to revive traditional music by teaching free Xam, Cheo Co, Chau Van, Hat Van... to generations of villagers, contributing to promoting, preserving and maintaining the national cultural identity. That is People's Artist Phan Thi Kim Dung.
People's Artist Kim Dung was born in 1951 in a family with a singing tradition in My Loc district, Nam Dinh province. At 73 years old, she has been involved in Xam singing and folk singing for more than 60 years. With passion and dedication, People's Artist Kim Dung has achieved many successes. In 2010, she won the Gold Medal at the first Red River Delta Regional Singing Competition and was recognized as a Folk Artist.
In 2015, she won the Gold Medal for singing Xam Nhi Tinh with ancient lyrics at the Folk Music and Folk Song Festival organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. A prize at the Folk Song and Dance Festival organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hanoi in 2016. She was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist in the field of Intangible Cultural Heritage for the first time by the State for the Xam singing genre.
In 2018-2019, People's Artist Kim Dung won the Third Prize in the Northern Xam Singing Competition organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the A1 Prize in the Hat Van and Hat Chau Van Festival presented by the Department of Grassroots Culture. He was awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee for "Building and developing literature and arts in the new era". The People's Committee of Thanh Xuan District awarded a Certificate of Merit for achievements in building and developing the Association of People with Disabilities, and a Certificate of Merit for achievements in "Preserving national identity and culture".
In 2021, she was awarded the title "Good person, good deeds" by the Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee. In 2022, she was awarded the title of People's Artisan by the State for her outstanding contributions to preserving and promoting the nation's intangible cultural heritage.
In 2024, People's Committee of Hanoi honored Ms. Kim Dung as an Outstanding Citizen of the Capital.
It has become a tradition that every Friday night, the Moc Quan Nhan Village Folk Song Club is filled with the singing of men, women and girls. Despite their different ages, everyone practices enthusiastically, all because of passion. For more than 15 years, the Club has become a familiar cultural meeting place for amateur artists who love folk songs.
Mr. Phi Quang Rang, who has been with the Club for 7 years, shared that while he was still working, although he loved singing, especially traditional folk songs, because of his job, he did not have the opportunity to satisfy his passion. Since joining the activities and being guided by Artist Kim Dung, the Club's Director, he has loved the traditional culture of the nation even more.
"Under the guidance of People's Artist Kim Dung, whoever has a talent can show that talent. She is very enthusiastic, dedicated, and meticulous in every sentence and every word. The roles of the performances are also very clear, recognizing the members' talents and strengths to assign roles. When coming to the Club as well as the stages, the artists all give their all and devote themselves to the field of preserving the Club's cultural heritage" - Mr. Phi Quang Rang shared.
Born into a family with a tradition of art, from a young age, her father (also a famous artist) taught her Xam singing, Cheo singing, and Van singing. Being thoroughly taught the art of singing and the content of the melodies, she has achieved many achievements for her homeland. She was also fortunate to attend the Xam singing class taught by artist Ha Thi Cau for the Ha Nam Cheo Troupe (formerly) and later received guidance from People's Artist Xuan Hoach - one of the veteran faces of the Vietnamese folk music scene.
In 1995, when she followed her husband and children to Hanoi to live in Nhan Chinh village (now Nhan Chinh ward, Thanh Xuan district, Hanoi), the artist's passion from her childhood continued to grow. With the desire to spread the vitality of folk music in community life, the artist spent a lot of time and passion to teach traditional songs and melodies to the people in Moc Quan Nhan village, which she considers her second hometown.
Her passion and desire became a reality when the Moc Quan Nhan Village Folk Song Club was officially established (May 19, 2009). From more than a dozen initial members who were all non-professional actors, most of whom were grandparents, the club now has nearly 50 members, including children.
Every week, during regular meetings, the excellent artist Kim Dung enthusiastically teaches the club members the skills of performing Xam singing, folk songs, Quan Ho, Cheo singing, Van singing... and even folk dances. In addition, she also teaches students to act out roles in many ancient Cheo plays and Xam singing such as: Thi Mau len chua, Tuan ti Dao Hue, Xam cho...
Because of her love for ancient folk songs such as Cheo, Xam, and Hat Van performed by the Folk Song Club during village festivals, Ms. Dang Tuan Ha learned about them and decided to register to join. She shared that when she was young, she loved singing, especially ancient folk songs, but she could not remember all the melodies. Under the detailed and meticulous guidance of People's Artist Kim Dung, she saw the beauty and subtlety hidden in each lyric and voice.
Up to now, Ms. Dang Tuan Ha can master the techniques of rhythm, fan dancing, from breathing, pronouncing words, vibrato and memorizing difficult melodies such as: Thap an, Trong quan, Xam cho, Xam hue tinh, Tau dien... to folk melodies, quan ho, cheo co and folk dances. It was truly an unforgettable experience for her.
"She taught me very enthusiastically, teaching me each sentence, thanks to that I have learned a lot of melodies. Only by participating in it can I know, see its beauty, its subtlety. There are many things that if you know more, you will see the value of why it has not disappeared since ancient times", Ms. Dang Tuan Ha shared.
Not only reaping sweet fruits when taking on the role of “conductor” of the Moc Quan Nhan Village Folk Song Club, People’s Artist Kim Dung is also very active, positive and dedicated to spreading folk music to everyone. Especially directly teaching to inspire young students.
"In the context where traditional music is at risk of being lost, many young people are not interested in traditional music, attracting and instilling a passion for traditional music in children is both a challenge and a motivation for me. The achievements that the children have "reaped" through competitions are a great encouragement for me. It is the motivation for me to continue spreading my passion to all classes of people, contributing to preserving and conserving traditional arts", People's Artist Kim Dung confided.
Ms. Dinh Thi Nhung, a club member, shared that at the Moc Quan Nhan Village Folk Song Club, the students have different occupations and are all grandparents. Everyone met through their love of singing. Many people are new to the tunes and musical instruments, so clapping, fan dancing, and singing along to the music are completely new. However, People's Artist Kim Dung always has an easy-to-understand way of communicating, helping members feel interested and passionate every time they practice.
"When I joined the club, Dung taught me dances, singing, and Xam singing, which really stuck in my mind. I learned very quickly, and then I also knew how to sing and dance, and everyone praised me for being good and flexible. The brothers and sisters here, whoever knows something, pass it on to those who don't know, and guide each other to dance, sing, and participate in activities very thoughtfully," Ms. Nhung shared.
The atmosphere of a practice session of the Club members at Dai Bai - Van Chi house, Moc Quan Nhan village
People's Artist Kim Dung could not hide her emotion when she was recognized as one of the exemplary Capital Citizens of 2024. She affirmed that this honor is not only her own achievement, but also a gratitude to the predecessors who taught and guided her on the artistic path, as well as the support of the community in the journey of preserving national culture. For her, this title is a great motivation to continue to inspire the younger generation, arousing passion and love for national cultural heritage.
Despite her old age, People's Artist Kim Dung continues to contribute tirelessly. She not only teaches singing and passes on her craft, but also participates in activities to preserve and develop folk arts. She always hopes and believes that her small efforts will contribute to preserving the national cultural identity. Looking back on the past, People's Artist Kim Dung feels proud of what she has contributed.
Source: https://vov.vn/van-hoa/am-nhac/nnnd-phan-thi-kim-dung-nguoi-gop-phan-gin-giu-lan-toa-am-nhac-dan-gian-post1138156.vov
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