Stories of families passionate about art in Dong Nai

Dong Nai is not only a land of historical relics and scenic landscapes but also a fertile ground for the development of various art forms. Families with two or even three generations passionate about art are increasingly emerging, serving as vivid proof of this art passion.

A married couple, Hoai Minh and Bang Chau, are performing Cai Luong online at the Dong Nai Art Theatre. Photo: My Ny

For many families in Dong Nai, art is regarded as an indispensable part of life, nurtured from one generation to the next. It not only strengthens bonds within the family but also helps to spread fine cultural values throughout the wider community.

When art becomes part of the family

Dieu Duoc is a musician well-known not only in Dong Nai but also among the national artistic community. With nearly 40 years of dedication to music, his most valuable legacy comprises songs imbued with the identity of ethnic minorities and love for homeland, country, and the people of Dong Nai. Among his notable works are Nguoi Choro Nho On Bac Ho (The Choro People Remember Uncle Ho), Dan Chinh K’la O Tuoi Tho Toi (The Chinh K’la in My Childhood), Dien Sang Ve Lang Choro (Electricity Comes to the Choro Village), Dem Chieng Sayangva (The Sayangva Gong Night), and Sac Lua Mua Xuan (The Flame Colour of Spring).

Beyond his artistic contributions, Dieu Duoc has passed on his passion for art to her family members. Two of his seven children, Dieu Thuy and Sy Thanh, have inherited their father's artistic talent. Both have pursued professional careers in music, frequently accompanying their father on stage within and beyond the province, captivating audiences with heartfelt and lyrical performances.

Talking with us, Dieu Duoc expressed pride: “I am happy that my children share a love and passion for art. From an early age, the children have been deeply captivated by the sounds of musical instruments, folk songs, and the traditional melodies of the Choro ethnic group. Music has enriched their souls and become a bond that unites the family.”

His daughter, artist Dieu Thuy, recalled that she grew up alongside her father’s music, from lullabies to moments when her father was engrossed in composing. Her father was her first teacher, instructing her in singing, music appreciation, and the ethics of being an artist. His tireless dedication inspired her to follow a similar path. Every time she performed on stage with her father, she felt both happiness and motivation to continue making contribution.

In addition to teaching, Dieu Duoc created opportunities for his children to develop their talents. He encouraged them to participate in local cultural activities, acquire new knowledge, and enhance their performance skills. With his wholehearted support and love, Dieu Thuy and Sy Thanh have increasingly affirmed their positions as professional artists on stage.

For young artists, preserving and promoting traditional arts is a challenging journey. Yet, with passion and the solidarity of individuals and families, that “flame” continues to be nurtured and spread throughout the community.

Young families “pass on the flame” of traditional arts

In modern life, where traditional art forms are gradually giving way to contemporary entertainment,some young families still persist in preserving and promoting Cai Luong (Southern reformed opera) and Don Ca Tai Tu (Southern amateur traditional music). Although not born into an artistic family, artist Hoai Minh developed a passion for Cai Luong at a young age. His wife, artist Bang Chau, who works alongside him at the Dong Nai Arts Theatre, is not only his life partner but also a well-matched partner on stage.

“We were brought together thanks to Cai Luong, and perhaps it is also through Cai Luong that our family has grown even more connected,” Bang Chau shared during a rehearsal at the theatre.

Besides performing Cai Luong, the couple participates in musical and dance programmes and hosts major art events within and outside the province. Together with other artists of the Dong Nai Arts Theatre, they bring Cai Luong performances to grassroots communities, serving workers, people in remote and far-off areas, ethnic minority groups, and border regions. This is their way of preserving and spreading national arts.

Notably, their son, Vo Minh Gia Bao, a student at Nguyen Du Primary School in Tran Bien ward, has already taken to the stage. With encouragement from his family, Gia Bao not only loves Cai Luong but can also sing excerpts from Vong Co. He has performed at children’s programs and won high prizes at competitions both within and outside the province.

Similarly, before embarking on his professional artistic career at the Dong Nai Arts Theatre, artist Duong Hoang Linh originally studied accounting. After graduation, he decided to change his direction to pursue Don Ca Tai Tu and Cai Luong. Fortunately, his wife, Khanh Dan, also shared the same passion for traditional music. Their mutual love for the art has united them in both life and stage performances.

In order to preserve and promote traditional arts, artist Duong Hoang Linh and his wife have also been proactive in applying digital technology, introducing Cai Luong performances, Don Ca Tai Tu, and lyrical songs on social media platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook, and Zalo. They have regularly released new video clips and music videos, catering to the public’s enjoyment of art both within and beyond the province.

By My Ny – Translated by Thuc Oanh, Thu Ha