Passionate about classical opera
This July, Minh Minh received the third prize at the Chicago International Music Competition. This award was initiated by the International Academy of Piano Talent, Wheaton College and the Milan Conservatory of Music. The competition is open to all contestants worldwide, with the two most popular subjects being Classical Vocal Music and Piano. Minh Minh is the only Vietnamese contestant to receive an award this time. Minh Minh said she entered the competition with the desire to learn, to compete and also to see what the classical music education industry is like abroad because "a day's journey teaches a lot of knowledge".
It may sound a bit stereotypical, but that was indeed what the petite girl set her goal for because that trip to America was the first time she had traveled so far and alone. She prepared everything herself, and brought nothing but her singing voice with her. And there were times when it seemed like the trip would not be possible because of paperwork problems. There were times when Minh Minh collapsed, then stood up and found a way. Just like in a foreign land, a prolonged illness and jet lag made Minh sometimes unable to stand still when singing.
Portrait of female singer Minh Minh.
Before winning third prize at the competition, Minh Minh had achieved many notable achievements such as: Second prize at the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Singing Festival, Gold prize for Duet Piano at the Asia - Pacific Festival.
For many individuals, awards may be a normal thing, but for opera singers in Vietnam, it is a worthy reward. It is not only recognition but also encouragement for them on the bumpy path they have chosen. “The award is an important recognition in their career. The core is that there is a change inside me. I am aware of having to be more serious, more professional and more disciplined with myself. I also learn to work more independently and autonomously.”
Graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Vocal Music as well as a Master of Music Teaching Theory and Methodology from the Central University of Art Education, Minh Minh is currently teaching at the Tay Bac College of Culture and Arts. Not only is she devoted to teaching, she also initiates music projects for the community. She said, when giving, it also means receiving. And the most important thing she often guides her students is not technique but how to receive and turn life experiences into song emotions. “Each person has different experiences, so they will have different emotions and different ways of expressing themselves. That is the unique feature of the singer.”
Minh Minh said she loves classical opera but that does not mean she is conservative with what she has learned. She hopes to combine opera with contemporary music, both to satisfy her creativity and to reach a wider audience. This thought is the opportunity for Minh Minh to approach the health music genre.
“Health music is about energy and affects more people and helps people see the value immediately. When I listened to and learned about this music, I was very surprised because there was no school to teach it,” Minh Minh shared.
“I always wonder, besides entertainment, what value does music bring to listeners?”
Minh Minh is researching the therapeutic role of music – a concept that has gradually become popular in Vietnam in recent years. The starting point for this research is from observing the daily reality, when entertainment programs are increasing but the number of stressed people is not decreasing. Especially during the COVID-19 period, looking back on her studies and work, Minh Minh realized that she had not yet reached the core of music, both music education and the path of professional performance.
On stage, she and the music become one.
“It turned out that I had not yet brought true musical value to listeners, and even my students. That was also the time when I looked inside myself more. I began to explore and get to know new musical communities such as the music community of love, awakening… helping people live more positively, more virtuously, and have more peace of mind and body.”
Joining the community, singing and sharing, supporting charity programs, Minh Minh discovered another value of this music genre. However, she realized that there was still something lacking, not expressing and promoting her full musical ability.
Continuing to learn, Minh Minh learned about a brainwave concert program called Brain Talk. The special thing about this program is that, in addition to the usual elements of a classical concert program such as melody and lyrics, each musical product also has a scientific frequency and each frequency has a certain influence on the behavior, emotions, and mental state of the listener. As someone who is eager to learn and loves to explore new things, wanting to bring new values to listeners and the community, Minh Minh was immediately attracted. She also became a performing artist for both Brain Talk 1 and 2 programs, when combining opera with other music genres and frequencies with positive energy.
Minh Minh said, Brain Talk will become a stepping stone for her to continue related music projects and can bring many benefits to the community. In the near future, she hopes to soon bring this meaningful music project to Hanoi but she is still waiting for enough opportunities. She hopes to have the support of investors and producers who are interested in other values of music.
“In addition to its artistic and entertaining value, music also plays a role in improving the listener’s mental health. It contains thoughts, emotions and energy – things we cannot see. If you want listeners to feel that energy and live more positively, maintaining fresh energy every day, artists must first practice to have this energy,” Minh Minh said.
Minh Minh will actively participate in classical and chamber music performances and continue to learn and create more.
Sharing about her future plans, Minh Minh will continue to develop classes or music programs suitable for different audiences because each person's musical interests and abilities are different. Besides, she will also actively participate in classical and chamber music performances and continuously study and create more. Because that has always been her goal since her school days.
