The achievement marks a significant milestone for the 22-year-old singer from Hanoi, who recently graduated with Highest Distinction in Vocal Performance from the Vietnam National Academy of Music after years of dedicated study in classical singing.

Speaking to VietNamNet after receiving the festival's top honor, Che Thuc Anh said she was deeply moved when her name was announced as the winner.

She described the award not only as recognition of her own efforts but also as a meaningful gift to her family, teachers and everyone who has supported her artistic journey.

"I've been through years of intensive training, pressure and challenges. When I received the Gold Cup, the first thing I felt was gratitude. Today's achievement comes from my love of music, my perseverance and, above all, the devoted guidance of my teacher, Meritorious Artist, Dr. Phuong Nga, as well as the unwavering encouragement of my family," she said.

For the young singer, the international award is an important milestone but also the beginning of a new chapter.

She plans to pursue a master's degree in vocal performance while continuing her long-term goal of becoming both a performer and an educator, hoping to inspire younger generations and promote a deeper appreciation for classical music.

Winning performance
 

At the Asia Art Festival, Che Thuc Anh performed "Volta la terrea" from Giuseppe Verdi's opera Un ballo in maschera (A Masked Ball).

After learning about the competition, she spent approximately two months preparing for the performance, refining her vocal technique, studying the musical interpretation and strengthening her stage presence.

She said the greatest challenge was not the music itself but overcoming the pressure of competing internationally for the first time against contestants from 16 countries and territories.

Throughout her preparation, her mentor, Meritorious Artist Nguyen Thi Phuong Nga, worked closely with her on vocal technique, interpretation and stage expression, while Meritorious Artist, Dr. Trinh Minh Trang accompanied her during piano rehearsals to perfect the performance.

According to Phuong Nga, Che Thuc Anh has always been a diligent student with a genuine passion for music and a strong desire to learn.

"I believe that with her talent, discipline and determination to improve, Che Thuc Anh will continue to achieve even greater success in the artistic path she has chosen," the teacher said.

From a business family to the concert stage

Unlike many professional musicians, Che Thuc Anh did not grow up in an artistic family. Both of her parents work in business.

However, she showed a natural love for singing from an early age.

Toward the end of sixth grade, she began studying classical voice under Meritorious Artist Nguyen Thi Phuong Nga.

In 2018, she was admitted to the Vietnam National Academy of Music, where she developed her skills in vocal performance before graduating with top honors.

Winning the Gold Cup at the Asia Art Festival now marks her first major international achievement and positions her among Vietnam's promising young classical vocalists.

Huyen My