Preserving the sounds of home

Beyond stage performances, the vocal rehearsal room at the Điện Biên provincial Art Troupe is already lit up early in the morning, filled with familiar melodies. At the piano, Meritorious Artist Huy Thông, Head of the Art Department, accompanies the music while demonstrating to singers how to handle each line of a song - where to articulate the words, where to hold back, and when to heighten the emotion. As the senior member of the troupe’s vocal ensemble, he passes on more than 30 years of professional experience to younger singers through every rehearsal.

In 1995, after graduating from Thái Bình provincial Intermediate School of Arts, Huy Thông began working with the Điện Biên provincial Art Troupe and has remained with the troupe ever since. His more than 30 years in the profession have also been a journey of finding a distinctive musical voice for the far-western reaches of the country. He has written hundreds of songs inspired by folk music, drawing on his love for his homeland, its people and the cultural life of Điện Biên’s ethnic communities. “Back to the land of Ban flowers” is among his notable compositions. Whenever the Ban flowers are in bloom, the melody can be heard again, evoking a culturally rich Điện Biên through its simple and familiar sounds.

For musician Huy Thông, anyone seeking to write about Điện Biên must first understand its people and way of life, listen to its cultural stories and understand the origins of the cultural materials they draw upon. From folk melodies, customs and traditions to landscapes and people, every element must be carefully selected and treated with respect. As a result, the cultural values reflected in his compositions do more than simply give his works their distinctive character; they are carefully preserved and conveyed with understanding and a sense of responsibility. His faithfulness to the cultural source material is what gives Huy Thông’s songs their simple, gentle and deeply evocative quality.

Musician and Meritorious Artist Huy Thông said: “We are soldiers on the cultural front, and above all, we must be honest and true to our work. For artists, integrity means not taking the easy route and not distorting the traditional cultural values of our people. I always remind myself to carefully select, preserve and cherish what belongs to our traditional culture. To do that, we have to go out, listen and learn about the lives of ethnic communities. Only by truly understanding them can we turn what we have learned into creative works.”

Learning from Uncle Hồ: Never stop learning

For choreographer Quàng Thị Quỳnh Anh, her love of folk culture was nurtured in her native Điện Biên. As a member of the Thai ethnic community, she grew up surrounded by the cultural life of her community, where xòe dances, the sound of the pí flute and folk dances were part of everyday life. Those experiences became a valuable foundation that she could draw on when incorporating traditional cultural elements into artistic programs as a choreographer at the provincial art troupe.

Before each program, she takes time to study the cultural material and select distinctive features that can be translated into a form of dance suitable for the stage. Everything, from costumes and music to movements and formations, is carefully considered. Some movements have to be revised repeatedly to ensure that they accurately convey their traditional cultural meaning. Only then can each gesture and movement communicate cultural values to the audience.

To improve her craft, she spends considerable time expanding her knowledge by observing everyday life and meeting and listening to artisans and people with a deep understanding of local culture before bringing cultural elements to the stage. In modern life, as technology continues to develop, artists have more opportunities to explore new forms of expression. But creativity, she believes, must begin with knowledge and respect for traditional values.

Choreographer Quỳnh Anh said: “I have learned from Uncle Hồ the spirit of lifelong learning. The longer you work in the arts, the more you realize how much there is still to learn. In modern life, as technology develops, artists have more opportunities to explore new forms of expression, but creativity must begin with an understanding of and respect for traditional values. To me, following Uncle Hồ’s example means constantly improving myself so that I can perform my duties better and take responsibility for the cultural values I am helping pass on.”

Clear responsibilities, clear Tasks, clear deadlines

Following the restructuring of its organizational apparatus, the Điện Biên provincial Art Troupe now has 67 officials, artists and performers. It is responsible for organizing professional music and dance performances to meet the cultural and spiritual needs of the people.

In implementing Politburo Directive No.07-CT/TW, dated July 13, 2026 on “Promoting the study and practice of Hồ Chí Minh’s thought, morality, methods and style in the new development period,” the provincial art troupe has translated the directive into concrete actions in its day-to-day work. Each program has clearly defined content, requirements and deadlines, with responsibilities assigned to specific departments and individuals. During implementation, those in charge regularly monitor and review the work. Any components that fail to meet requirements are discussed, adjusted and completed before being taken to the stage.

For performances incorporating traditional cultural elements, research into their origins and cultural characteristics begins at the program-development stage, helping ensure accuracy and appropriateness in their presentation.

Musician Phạm Mạnh Cường, Director of the Điện Biên provincial Art Troupe, said: “Uncle Hồ once reminded us that “The essence of true art is to serve the people.” That is why what matters most to us is whether the final product meets the requirements of our work and serves the people well. Every department and every individual must clearly understand their responsibilities, deadlines and expected standards. During implementation, those in charge must closely follow the work, discuss any problems and redo anything that does not meet the requirements. When officials and artists work responsibly, proactively and produce tangible results, that is when following Uncle Hồ’s example truly becomes part of their work.”

From the vocal rehearsal room and dance studio to the performance stage, the spirit of being “soldiers on the cultural front” is reflected in the concrete work of generations of artists at the Điện Biên provincial Art Troupe. Artists hone their professional skills; choreographers study culture as a foundation for creativity; and managers translate responsibilities into specific tasks through assignment, supervision and performance assessment.

By learning from Uncle Hồ through their work and putting his teachings into practice through professional responsibility, artists in Điện Biên are helping bring songs and dances that embody the cultural identity of their homeland closer to audiences, while preserving and passing on the community’s valuable cultural heritage through every artistic program.