The singer Phan Huy Thanh

Born into a family steeped in revolutionary tradition and a deep passion for music, Phan Huy Thanh, while not professionally trained, has inherited his father's vocal prowess and his mother's artistic flair.Thus, he has been passionate about singing since childhood, and his affinity for singing has deeply rooted within him. Despite working in the tax industry, Thanh has been present on numerous stages, big and small, in Hue, the Central region, and beyond, for many years. The image of the handsome singer, with a youthful and dynamic performance style, at events such as the Festival, Hue Countdown,the Central Vietnam Tour – Huda, and the  International Music Festival in Hue... has become familiar, leaving a sense of affection in the hearts of the audience.

Persistent and passionate, Thanh's singing has resonated everywhere in competitions and performancesfor many years. Whether singing at conferences or in artistic programs commemorating significant events, Thanh chooses revolutionary love songs such as "Bài ca Trường Sơn" (Trường Sơn Ballad), "Linh thiêng Việt Nam" (Sacred Vietnam), "Cúc ơi" (Oh Cuc)... Then, on stage at events and festivals about Hue, this versatile singer earnestly delivers heartfelt melodies like "Tà áo tím" (Purple Dress), "Về với Huế" (Return to Hue), "Mưa trên phố Huế" (Rain on Hue Streets)...

While he excels in lively youth music, Phan Huy Thanh also pours his heart into upbeat, energetic tunes that captivate teenage audiences, such as "Lạc vào cõi mơ" (Lost in Dreamland), "Bên trên tầng lầu" (Upstairs), "Thích em hơi nhiều" (Like You a Little Too Much)...

Working in the tax industry while pursuing another career as a singer may seem like two unrelated fields. However, for Thanh, music has served as an additional source of inspiration, propelling him to excel in his primary profession. The young man has composed two songs for his industry, which have gained widespread popularity: "Nữ chiến sĩ ngành thuế" (Female Tax Officer) and "Tôi yêu ngành thuế Việt Nam" (I Love the Vietnamese Tax Industry).

The flame of love for music always burns brightly, as evidenced by Phan Huy Thanh's remarkable achievements in numerous competitions and artistic festivals. He was crowned champion twice in the Summer Solo Singing Competition 2015 and the Hue Music Star 2017. He received the Gentleman Award - Ambassador of Vietnamese Ao Dai 2018. Additionally, he was the runner-up in the Be U+ Honda Central and Central Highlands Competition 2018...

Not only singing and performing, Thanh also engages in composing songs about Hue. When composing, Thanh always yearns to bring a fresh perspective to songs about the ancient capital. Through music, people can better perceive the beauty of Hue. "Diverging from the traditional contemplative and profound essence of Hue music, I aim to infuse a contemporary, vibrant, and joyful flair into songs about Hue, rejuvenating them for modern audiences. From lyrics to melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, all exude dynamism, youthfulness, and the breath of contemporary life,"shared Thanh.

Up to now, Thanh has composed 2 songs about Hue: "Nón" (Conical Hat) and "Huế ơi ăn gì?" (What to Eat in Hue?). The song "Nón" incorporates contemporary folk materials with a lively rhythm, praising the beauty of Hue's conical hats and leaving a lasting impression on listeners. Out of 99 songs submitted by 88 authors, Thanh's "Nón" clinched second prize at the Song Composition Contest themed "I Love Hue" in 2022, co-hosted by the Union of Literature and Arts Associations and Hue Music Association. The song "Huế ơi ăn gì?" portrays the beloved image of Hue with over 20 characteristic dishes, bringing them closer to the audience. Thanh has used modern arrangements to target the youth, incorporating a rap segment listing delicious dishes in Hue with a lively and humorous touch, adding an interesting highlight to the song that captures the listeners' attention.

Story and photo: HUONG DONG