I used to cry because I didn't understand why I was so stupid.

In May 2024, joy continued to come to artist Ngo Huong Diep when she won two consecutive International Music Awards in the field of opera . That was the overall victory at the Georges Bizet International Music Competition, and the First Prize at the Golden Classical Music Awards - International Competition. These achievements are the result of a long process of pursuing passion, with patience and hard work.

Dan Viet reporter had a conversation with artist Ngo Huong Diep.

Winning high prizes at two major international opera music competitions, how do you feel?

- I am happy that my voice is recognized by professionals around the world. These are all prestigious competitions that have been held for many years. When I submitted my entry, I did not dare to expect much from the results.

As for the Georges Bizet International Music Competition, I heard the news when the registration deadline was approaching. Before that, in March 2024, I played the role of Carmen - the character in the play of the same name by the world-famous composer Georges Bizet, staged by the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet. That's why I immediately used a video to perform 3 songs to participate.

Two months later, I received notice that I won the competition along with a Chinese opera artist. Recently, the Organizing Committee of the Golden Classical Music Awards - International Competition also announced that I won the overall first prize. With this achievement, I was invited to perform a song at the Walt Disney Theater, Los Angeles, USA.

Opera artist Ngo Huong Diep. (Photo: NVCC)

What is it about opera that makes you passionate and committed?

- Ever since I was an intermediate student at the National Academy of Music, every time I watched my teacher - the late Meritorious Artist Nguyen Phuong Lan perform at the Opera House, I was immersed in her voice, longing for the day I could stand in front of a large orchestra and sing like that.

The more I study opera, the more I realize that it is a difficult art, requiring good musical sense, diligence and perseverance. Every day, I listen and am obsessed with the voices and melodies of famous artists, happy when my singing improves. To me, opera is fascinating because it seems to have no end, no limits, stimulating the creativity and work of the artist.

In fact, being a professional artist is like being an athlete. You have to practice every day. If you neglect it for a while, you will fall behind and fail.

Opera is a classical and elegant art form but also very selective in its audience. How did you come to opera?

- My father worked as an artist in the Quang Ninh province art troupe. From a young age, I inherited from him my musical sense, voice, and love of melodies. Of course, like many other young people, I did not listen to opera, and was completely unfamiliar with the orchestra with all kinds of instruments on stage.

At 18, I took the entrance exam to the National Academy of Music for the first time, but… failed. I failed because I didn’t have enough preparation, and I failed because I was self-conscious and hesitant about pursuing music due to my chubby, short appearance. Then, I dropped out and studied another major for 2 years, until my mother said: “I think singing is the best thing for you, don’t go to random classes anymore!”

Listening to my mother, I returned to the National Academy of Music, studied seriously and passed the exam. My instructor at that time was Meritorious Artist Nguyen Phuong Lan. She told me: "You have the voice and passion, be confident to conquer this music genre". She was also the one who guided me to become an artist of the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet.

I sometimes tell my students and friends about that story to spread positivity. Sometimes, in life, good things don’t come to us right away. I never thought that I would be chosen to study abroad, become a soloist at the theater, and then win international awards like I do now.

Artist Ngo Huong Diep as Carmen in the opera of the same name. (Photo: NVCC)

The road to success is not always paved with roses. Was there a time when you felt discouraged or thought opera was not for you?

- Sometimes I still remember the image of myself when I was studying abroad in Romania, a country with many world-famous opera artists. Those were cold winter days, the streets were covered in snow, and I only returned home from music school late at night.

I can bear any hardship, being alone is no problem for me, but what disappoints me the most is that I study for a while but do not make any progress. I practice and practice, I cry because I wonder why I am so stupid.

After being immersed in that for a while, I realized that maybe the teacher's method was not suitable for me. I looked for extra classes, tried hard to improve, and soon after, I also achieved new steps.

Just like sports, there is always competition in the arts. As a soloist, do you ever think you always have to take the lead role?

- Of course, every time there is a project, any artist makes an effort. We not only compete with each other but also with ourselves of yesterday, that competition makes the art always develop.

I don't think I always have to take on the leading role. However, before taking on any role, I always set a clear goal: No one can surpass what I show on stage.

If I were the main role, how would I express my emotions? If I were a supporting role, what would I need to do to not stand out more than the main role, but still leave my mark on the stage? Of course, people can still overcome it later, but the goal is to make me "burn myself out", to be passionate about my profession, whether the role is big or small.

The happy family of artist Ngo Huong Diep. (Photo: NVCC)

Are Vietnamese audiences more open to opera, in your opinion?

- Opera is a picky audience, which is an undeniable fact. Personally, I think it is impossible to demand that a difficult genre of music be sung everywhere, especially when Vietnam is not the cradle of this art form. In Romania, I have seen people singing opera in parks and train stations.

In recent years, I have seen positive signs as more and more audiences are interested in opera. Among them are many people from Gen Z, those who have studied abroad or have studied vocal music since childhood... There are also audiences over 60 years old who have never missed a show, always patient and encouraging us artists, even on days when the sound quality is not so good...

You got married after 30. Is your husband one of your fans?

- My husband sings well and loves music, but it's a different profession, and he doesn't have many opportunities to listen to his wife sing opera. Over the years, I've been lucky to have him support me in doing what I want, creating opportunities for me to perform and teach.

Many times, he gave me advice on how to sing Vietnamese songs when listening to me practice, as an audience member. His comments were usually quite accurate, so since getting married, I often ask my husband for his opinion.

I am also lucky to have a caring mother and mother-in-law. She is always ready to support me in taking care of my child, helping me to return to work and my passion for art soon.

Thanks for sharing!

Source: https://danviet.vn/nu-nghe-si-viet-gianh-2-giai-thuong-am-nhac-quoc-te-toi-tung-bat-khoc-vi-khong-hieu-sao-minh-dot-the-20240530131538736.htm