(VOVWORLD) - Artist Van Chuong, head of the Music Department of the Voice of Vietnam, is one of 125 artists who have been recently awarded the title of People’s Artist. Chuong is honored for his outstanding contribution to Vietnam’s arts and culture, especially the Cheo (traditional opera) art form.
 People’s Artist Van Chuong (Photo: vov.gov.vn) |
People’s Artist Van Chuong has been called “The golden voice of Cheo” for years. Now 55, Chuong has worked on the stage for 40 years. Chuong says he was captivated by Cheo at an early age.
“I’ve been into folk songs and traditional music since I was 8 years old. I loved the folk music program on the Voice of Vietnam. At that time, I didn’t have a radio, so I had to listen to the radio at my relatives’ houses. Otherwise, I listened to the radio music programs on the street loudspeakers,” said Chuong.
“Those VOV music programs are in my blood. I started learning to sing and recite poems from VOV programs. By the age of 16, I had acquired the basic knowledge and skills and began performing music.”
After training in with veteran music artists, in 1984, Van Chuong joined the Ha Tay Cheo Art Troupe. He soon became one of Vietnam’s most popular Cheo artists.
“I had to train and practice hard to become what I am today. You must do a lot of research and hard work to understand Cheo. Singing Cheo is difficult, but fantastic. There were times when I felt discouraged, but my passion for Cheo and encouragement from my colleagues helped me overcome every difficulty.”
Van Chuong is known for a number of roles, including Hoang Triu in “Hoang Triu chooses a wife”, Nguyen Trai in “Constellation”, and Luu Binh in the well-known play “Luu Binh-Duong Le” which established his reputation on Cheo stage. The role of Luu Binh won him 4 prizes at the National Cheo Festival in 2001.
“Van Chuong possesses a clear, warm, strong voice, suitable for Cheo performances. He is considered one of the best Cheo artists in Vietnam. Chuong spends a lot of time doing research and practicing for each role he takes and finds the best way to present his role. No one has played the role of Luu Binh better than Chuong. He breathes a soul into his characters that makes them live forever in the hearts of the audience,” said journalist and author Mai Van Lang said of Van Chuong.
 Van Chuong (L) is one of 125 artists who have been recently awarded the title of People’s Artist. (Photo: VOV) |
Van Chuong said he works hard at each role he takes.
“The most important part of performing is infusing the character with emotion that touches the heart of the audience. Your voice, your facial expressions, and your emotions are all important.”
Van Chuong was also a contributor to the success of the Poetry program broadcast for more than 30 years on the Voice of Vietnam’s Culture and Society channel (VOV2).
“Van Chuong puts all his emotions into each performance. His beautiful, resonant voice and enchanting style always leave a deep impression on the audience. We have received many letters and phone calls requesting Chuong’s programs. He is a dedicated, professional, and enthusiastic artist,” said VOV editor Quynh Chi.
Van Chuong said receiving the “People’s Artist” title encourages him to continue contributing to the Cheo art form and promoting it to younger generations.