From Passion to Taking the Stage

(DTO) On August 16, the second filming session of the Starting Round of “Tai Tu Miet Vuon” Season 6 took place at the Dong Thap Newspaper and Radio, Television facility in Dao Thanh Ward. 

This was the first time the show was filmed at the Dao Thanh facility, creating a new space for the melodies of don ca tai tu to continue to resonate and bring together people who share a passion for this traditional art form. 

A MEETING PLACE FOR DON CA TAI TU LOVERS 

From early morning, the atmosphere was already lively, like a festival. Many contestants traveled from different provinces and cities, some bringing along vong co verses they knew by heart, some carrying a passion nurtured for years, and others bravely stepping onto a stage for the first time. 

Each contestant has a different voice, but they are united by their love for don ca tai tu. 

At the second session of the Starting Round, the diversity of contestants’ ages and the journeys they made from faraway places left a strong impression. Some, already in their later years, bravely stepped onto a stage for the first time; others traveled hundreds of kilometers simply to sing and meet people who share their passion. 

At 70, Tran Thi Ngon, a resident of Tan Phuoc 3 Commune, Dong Thap Province, confidently stepped onto the “Tai Tu Miet Vuon” stage for the first time. Over the years, she had followed the show on television and had known cai luong songs by heart since she was a young woman. 

However, her hesitation and lack of confidence had made her repeatedly waver over whether to enter the competition. This year, encouraged by her family, she decided to “take a chance” and fully embrace her passion for traditional singing. 

Choosing “Det chang duong xuan” (Weaving the Spring Road) for her performance, Ngon was not focused on winning or losing. She shared: “I joined first and foremost to sing, have fun and meet people who share the same passion. I may be getting older, but as long as I still have my health and love singing, I’ll just take a chance and participate.”

For Ngon, the show is an accessible platform where age is no longer a barrier. From older participants to young people, everyone has a chance to test their abilities, step onto the stage and raise their voices in songs.

She hopes the show will continue so that more lovers of traditional singing can overcome their hesitation, join the platform and pursue their passion. 

Hundreds of kilometers from the competition venue, 60-year-old Le Tanh, who works at Gia Rai General Hospital in Ca Mau Province, came to “Tai Tu Miet Vuon” this time to compete. This is his second time taking part in the show. 

Unfamiliar with the roads, Tanh took a coach from Ca Mau to Dao Thanh the previous day. He rented a room and then walked about 5 kilometers early the next morning to the venue to complete the registration procedures. 

Despite the long walk, his excitement made him forget the fatigue. 
“The journey was long, and walking was tiring, but I was happy to be here, meet people who love don ca tai tu and have a chance to sing. To me, age is not an obstacle. As long as I have my health and passion, I still want to travel, sing and share the songs I love with everyone,” Tanh said. 

Also passionate about don ca tai tu, 56-year-old Vo Thanh Duoc from Giang Thanh Commune, An Giang Province, took the “Tai Tu Miet Vuon” stage for the first time. 

To make it to the competition venue on time, Duoc and three friends, who are also his colleagues in Binh Duong Province (now Ho Chi Minh City), drove to Dao Thanh overnight. 

The journey was far from smooth. Unpredictable rain and sunshine left the group exhausted. One person developed a high fever and needed medication and intravenous fluids, but no one gave up. 

“Many people back home and at the company love singing, too, but some worry about the expense, while others are afraid they won’t be able to handle the pressure and will be eliminated early, so they don’t dare to come. But we think differently. We came here first to learn from others, and second to meet and exchange with fellow enthusiasts. As long as we can fully live our passion, sing and meet people who share our love for don ca tai tu, that’s what matters,” Duoc said. 

The simple, heartfelt stories of don ca tai tu enthusiasts have given “Tai Tu Miet Vuon” its own special charm. Through this platform, love for traditional art is being given new vitality and passed on from one generation to the next. 

THE HEARTFELT SPIRIT BEHIND THE APPEAL OF “TAI TU MIET VUON”

Meritorious Artist Ngoc Huyen said: “It is through ‘Tai Tu Miet Vuon’ that one can truly feel the heartfelt spirit and the rustic charm of don ca tai tu. The show serves as a bridge, bringing audiences closer to voices that have remained hidden in villages, people who have nurtured their passion for years but have never had the chance to sing in public. At the show, they have the opportunity to test themselves, fulfill their long-held wishes and confidently showcase their voices.” 

People’s Artist Huu Quoc was also particularly impressed by the contestants at the audition in Dao Thanh. 

From the very first rounds of observation, People’s Artist Huu Quoc and the judging panel were especially impressed by the many new faces, who brought a strong stage presence and confident demeanor. 

People’s Artist Huu Quoc advised the contestants: “Everyone should stay relaxed and perform as naturally as possible, just as when singing at home or at community gatherings. Technique and vocal strength are important, but it is the sincerity in every lyric and every emotional nuance that can truly touch listeners’ hearts and win over the judging panel.” 

Coming from many different rural areas, the contestants who made their way to “Tai Tu Miet Vuon” in Dao Thanh add color to this gathering of people deeply devoted to don ca tai tu. 

For them, the most valuable thing is not necessarily a title, but the chance to sing, meet and share with others, and fully embrace their passion. 

By HAI DANG - LY OANH - VAN THAO - LE MINH
Translated by ANH DUC