Homeland is nostalgia, love, and source of strength.

Born and raised in the hardships of the Lao wind and white sand of Quang Tri, it was the melodies and folk songs that ignited the fire of love, brought artist Dieu Huong to the path of art and reaped many successes. Recently, she was honored to be awarded the title of People's Artist (NSND). On this occasion, Quang Tri Newspaper reporters interviewed NSND Dieu Huong, a talented and beautiful daughter of Quang Tri.

The result of a lifetime of work

- First of all, I would like to congratulate artist Dieu Huong on being honored with the title of People's Artist. Could you please share your feelings after receiving this noble title?

- Honestly, up to now, I am still overwhelmed with emotions. When my name was called, Dieu Huong felt very nervous and emotional. Then, my emotions exploded when I stood on stage to receive this noble title. This is the result of a lifetime of work. Since entering the music industry, Dieu Huong has always strived and worked tirelessly with the desire to become a true artist. For many years, I have been attached to art with the simple goal of contributing to the preservation of traditional music. Starting from determination, Dieu Huong fell in love with the traditional art form that she pursued without realizing it and has been with it all along the way. Today's destination is a sweet gift, a meaningful result of a long process of personal efforts. That is the reason why from the moment I received the good news until I hugged and cherished the results I had, Dieu Huong experienced many emotions.

- To be recognized as a People's Artist, how have you worked hard in art, creation and spreading positive values ​​in the past time?

-As I just shared, the path to today's achievements crystallized a lot of sweat and effort from a very hard artistic labor process. In 2012, Dieu Huong was honored to receive the title of Meritorious Artist. That was the result of months of hard work and dedication. Cherishing that achievement, for nearly 12 years, Dieu Huong continued to devote herself to art and folk music. From the trust of the leaders of the Voice of Vietnam Radio, I was assigned to be in charge of Hue folk music and Binh Tri Thien folk songs. In addition to the time recording for the radio and serving listeners, I also perform all over the country and internationally. Dieu Huong always strives to create a transformation for Hue folk songs in a new style with electronic music, helping this music genre reach closer to young audiences.

Artist Dieu Huong was honored to receive the title of People's Artist from President Vo Van Thuong - Photo: NVCC

- Besides the noble title of People's Artist, what achievements have those efforts brought you?

- In addition to the title of People's Artist, a noble title that almost every artist aspires to, Dieu Huong is also fortunate to receive many other noble titles, awards, and prizes. Huong is also very happy when her contributions to art are welcomed and recognized by everyone. The love of the audience for her in particular and for folk music in general is the motivation for Dieu Huong to continue to rise.

Love of the homeland takes flight

- Would you like People's Artist Dieu Huong to share so that readers can know more about herself and her days in her hometown of Quang Tri?

- I was born and raised in Quang Tri. In 1995, when I was 18 years old, I joined the Cultural Propaganda Team of the Quang Tri Border Guard. In 2000, I started working at the Quang Tri Art Troupe, now the Provincial Art - Tradition Troupe. 7 years later, Dieu Huong left her hometown to become a music lecturer at the Hue Academy of Music and in 2011, she went to Hanoi to work at the Voice of Vietnam Radio Station until now.

Quang Tri in Dieu Huong's memory is associated with many beautiful memories. At that time, although I was still young, I was able to study and participate in school art programs, and events inside and outside the province. When I grew up, I was lucky to travel everywhere inside and outside the province to perform for soldiers and people, especially people in remote areas, border areas. The love of the audience in my hometown gave wings to Huong's dream of becoming a true artist.

- As People's Artist Dieu Huong shared, you were not born into a family with a musical tradition. So, what chance brought you to art?

- Dieu Huong's father was a soldier who died on the battlefield in Cambodia. Huong's mother was a farmer. Her family's life was very difficult in the past. However, at the age of 5, Dieu Huong had the opportunity to perform on stage. That was a big milestone in her life. From then on, Dieu Huong's singing began to be known by many people. For me, that was a special opportunity, motivating me to try harder so that this opportunity would become more and more beautiful.

- What is the significance of your hometown in your artistic career and life?

- Dieu Huong's hometown is in Trung Nam commune, Vinh Linh district. Perhaps the soil and water of her hometown have nurtured and grown her dreams and ambitions. Working in the field of art, artists are not always lucky and favorable. The same goes for me. Dieu Huong has to overcome many obstacles. Whenever there are difficulties, she rises up with the spirit of Quang Tri - the land that has suffered the pain of war and many harsh natural disasters. Her hometown is always her memory, her love, and her source of strength.

Breathing new life into traditional music

- When mentioning People's Artist Dieu Huong, many people immediately remember a dedicated artist who always strives to breathe new life into traditional music. What inspired you to choose this path for yourself?

- When working at the Voice of Vietnam, Huong's affinity with Hue folk songs and Binh Tri Thien folk songs flourished, although the musical path has never been easy or smooth. The challenges are even greater when artists choose traditional music. In reality, making ends meet is what gives many artists headaches.

However, I am not afraid of difficulties and hardships, and I am always aware of the importance of choosing traditional music. When I was still in school, my teacher always reminded his students not to hesitate to face and choose difficulties and challenges. He also advised Dieu Huong that each artist must be responsible for guiding the audience to the music genre they have chosen; guiding the audience to listen. More importantly, cherish and value your choice. With that choice, we must be steadfast, then we can succeed.

- As People's Artist Dieu Huong shared, the musical path she chose has many difficulties and challenges. So, besides the advice from her teacher, why do you still persevere with this choice?

- Dieu Huong deeply understands that traditional music is the source and root of a nation's culture. From the bottom of her heart, Huong always wants to contribute to preserving and conserving the beautiful cultural features of the Vietnamese people. Although she knows there will be many difficulties, Dieu Huong still chooses. As you can see, the results will come and will be sweeter when we go through difficulties and challenges. Therefore, Huong is not afraid to choose the thorny path. To be honest, during her career, there were times when Huong had to work very hard to find a source of sponsorship before releasing a new product. Artists who choose to pursue traditional music have a hard time because of low income, but because they have fallen in love, they cannot leave.

- Can you share some of your plans and projects in the near future?

- In 2024, Dieu Huong will continue to release two folk music products with quality in both sound and image. Huong will continue to "breathe new wind" into Hue folk songs and Binh Tri Thien folk songs. Hopefully, she will always be welcomed by the audience and given much love.

- Thank you, People's Artist Dieu Huong! I wish you more and more success on the path you have chosen.

Quang Hiep (performed)

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/van-hoa-the-thao/nghe-si-nhan-dan-dieu-huong-que-huong-la-noi-nho-niem-thuong-la-coi-nguon-suc-manh/184144.htm