Amidst the sound of Con Dao waves reverberating against the cliffs, the sound of temple bells and the footsteps of tourists at sacred historical sites, there was a passionate vọng cổ song from a special contestant - Vuong Quan Tri, a young face from An Giang - who brought his whole heart of love for traditional music to the 1st "Singing and Singing of Traditional Music on Radio" Contest of Con Dao Special Zone in 2025.
Vuong Quan Tri and People's Artist Phuong Loan
Echoes from the mainland to distant islands
Vuong Quan Tri is not a strange face among young Cai Luong lovers. Having appeared in a number of traditional music venues in Ho Chi Minh City, he is a typical image of the next generation of artists who are both attached to tradition and deeply aware of the responsibility to innovate and inspire the community. This time, coming to Con Dao, a sacred land steeped in historical memories, Vuong Quan Tri considers it a "spiritual homecoming" to show gratitude and awaken indigenous cultural values through his vọng cổ singing voice."I chose to sing a traditional song honoring love for the homeland not because I wanted to gain extra points in the contest, but because this place has a strong emotional impact. In a place that has witnessed many sacrifices and pains but is also a place where life and humanity are revived, the sound of vọng cổ is not just a song but a memorial, a way to preserve the national soul" - he shared.
Artist Ha Nhu and Vuong Quan Tri
One playground, many layers of meaning
The 2025 Con Dao Special Zone "Singing Traditional Music on Radio" contest is a competition of 100 contestants from all over the country. It is also a gathering place of passion, of hearts that love Don Ca Tai Tu regardless of age.Vuong Quan Tri was moved when he saw young contestants like him step onto the stage and loudly sing out each verse of vọng cổ. He was happy because the contest was a playground for young audiences who love vọng cổ.
Vuong Quan Tri and Meritorious Artist Le Tu
The organizers were flexible in allowing each contestant to bring only “one signature song” to perform throughout the three rounds – a way to open the door wider for those who are still hesitant, while also creating conditions for ordinary people, farmers, students… to confidently step onto the stage. That is the unique identity, the profound community and education that the contest cleverly evokes.
Con Dao - where the art of vọng cổ flourishes
The "Singing Ancient Songs on Radio" contest is not only an artistic competition but also the first step in the strategy to preserve intangible cultural heritage in a special locality.The Con Dao Special Zone Government had a vision when choosing traditional singing as a cultural highlight of the community, connecting the past and present, history and art.
Vuong Quan Tri and Duong Ho Nhu Thuy (candidates from An Giang)
Sharing about the contest, composer Truong Van Ut - the person who came up with the idea and advised on the organization - said: "We do not focus on professionalism. The most important thing is to create a stage for folk songs to continue and spread - from housewives, motorbike taxi drivers, students... everyone can sing."
With the presence of faces like Vuong Quan Tri - young, enthusiastic, with a clear direction - the path of sustainable development of Southern amateur music is gradually taking shape: not only on television and theaters, but also from the breath of community life.
From a song echoing in the middle of a remote island, a belief can be echoed: Don ca tai tu and cai luong are never old, as Vuong Quan Tri said "as long as we still keep the hidden stream of love in each song, it will spread to the youth".
Source: https://nld.com.vn/vuong-quan-tri-va-khat-vong-chinh-phuc-khan-gia-tre-yeu-bai-vong-co-tai-con-dao-196250803060812758.htm
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