Over nearly 30 years of performing, Meritorious Artist Le Giang has brought the sound of the Vietnamese monochord (dan bau) to more than 80 countries and territories – a dream achievement for any artist.
Under the bright stage lights, a youthful, modern-looking woman steps into view, quite unlike the traditional image of a dan bau performer in an ao dai. That woman is Meritorious Artist Le Giang. For more than three decades, she has devoted her life to the dan bau – a one-stringed instrument whose soulful tones echo like lullabies and heartfelt whispers of the Vietnamese people.
Three decades with a singular love
Meritorious Artist Le Giang.
“Back in school, most of my friends assumed I studied piano. No one believed I was learning the dan bau – a traditional instrument. I guess it’s because I looked and carried myself so differently from what people expect of someone who plays it,” Le Giang recalled with a smile.
Le Giang’s connection with the dan bau began in childhood. Her mother was a zither player, so she grew up surrounded by music, often watching performers rehearse. One day, after hearing the dan bau on TV, she was instantly captivated and asked her mother to let her study it. That love never faded. She spent seven years in primary music education, followed by four years in secondary training, another four in university, and two more in her master’s program. It took 15 years of dedication before she became a lecturer at the Vietnam National Academy of Music.
To her, the dan bau is not just an instrument but a soulmate. “Every joy and sorrow, every memory of my life is poured into it. I simply cannot be apart from it,” she shared.
The hardships of a traditional music artist
Meritorious Artist Le Giang has performed in over 80 countries worldwide.
Le Giang’s artistic path was far from smooth. When she first graduated, her salary as a young lecturer was too low to make ends meet, making her question whether she could afford to follow her passion. The challenges only increased when she started a family.
“If I hadn’t worked hard to earn my place, the dan bau wouldn’t even be able to support me, let alone my family,” she said.
But each time she performed overseas and saw how international audiences were moved by the dan bau’s sound, she found strength again.
“They looked at me with deep respect and affection for the instrument. That made me realize I couldn’t give it up,” she said, choosing to stay the course with her whole heart.
Le Giang has performed across continents, returning to some countries up to 15 or 20 times. Among them, Japan left the deepest impression on her due to its audience’s exceptional love for Vietnamese traditional music. Some fans even followed her troupe for an entire month, attending every performance.
“I remember once playing a Vietnamese melody and seeing tears roll down the faces of the audience. Some even asked to touch the instrument, to try playing it. In that moment, I understood that the music had truly touched their hearts,” she said, visibly moved.
In 2019, she was honored with the title of Meritorious Artist – a fitting recognition for her lifelong dedication. Le Giang has won three individual gold medals at the National Solo and Ensemble Instrumental Festivals (in 2010, 2015, and 2018), along with many other accolades.
Meritorious Artist Le Giang will perform a dan bau solo of "Dat nuoc" in the 2025 "Dieu con mai" (Things Everlasting) concert.
In addition to performing, she is a passionate educator, devoted to passing on her love for the dan bau to younger generations.
“I’m deeply grateful to my family, teachers, and ancestors for giving me this love and lifelong connection to the dan bau. Now, I want to pass that love on to the next generation – those who will carry forward the soul of this national instrument,” Le Giang said.
There was a time when she considered changing careers. But ultimately, she stayed and gave her heart completely to the dan bau.
She credits her family for giving her the space to wholeheartedly pursue her art, and the instrument, in turn, has not let her down. It has brought her around the world, earned her recognition, and above all, given her the joy of living her passion.
“Just love, give yourself fully, and one day you’ll receive it all back,” she said with a smile. For Le Giang, the dan bau is the most precious gift life has given her.
Having previously participated in VietNamNet's Concert "Dieu con mai 2023" (Things Everlasting), Le Giang will return this year to perform a solo of “Dat me” (Motherland) by composer Tran Manh Hung with the Sun Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Olivier Ochanine.
“In the stream of contemporary Vietnamese music, ‘Dat me’ by Tran Manh Hung is a standout piece. It not only won the Second Prize from the Vietnam Musicians’ Association in 2010 in the category of compositions for dan bau, but also opened a unique musical space that blends traditional Vietnamese and Western symphonic styles.
The piece symbolizes a generous, life-giving homeland that nurtures and protects its people. The music themes unfold continuously, moving from tender, slow melodies to grand climaxes.
In its final section, the piece shines with brilliance and strength, representing the unity and pride of the Vietnamese people. It’s especially fitting for performance in ‘Dieu con mai’ – where music rings out precisely at the sacred hour of the nation – 2:00 PM on National Day, September 2,” Le Giang explained.
Vietnamnet.vn
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