Top 10 Most Renowned Ca Tru Artists in Vietnam

When it comes to ca tru in Hanoi, the name of the singer Bach Van immediately comes to mind. She sacrificed her personal happiness to devote herself to ca tru. With a passion so intense that it borders on madness, she brought the art of ca tru into the public sphere. Achieving her success and recognition was a long and challenging journey full of obstacles.

Although she attended Hanoi Conservatory of Music, after just one encounter with ca tru, she decided to dedicate her life to this art form, disregarding family advice. Obsessed with ca tru, she married at the age of 44 and even chose to give up her first child for fear of not having enough time for her art. In 2012, Bach Van was honored with the title of People's Artist, a prestigious award granted by the State for her relentless efforts in preserving ca tru.

Driven by a desire to preserve her ancestors' craft and the traditional art form, ca tru artist Pho Thi Kim Duc has dedicated years of research and teaching to keep ca tru alive. Growing up in an environment filled with ca tru, she quickly became captivated by the art and began accompanying her father to perform. Known for her clear and precise articulation, as well as her refined sensitivity to the music, she soon gained widespread recognition.

Later, she worked at the Voice of Vietnam, where her natural talent for singing allowed her to win over listeners with her sweet and sophisticated voice. Although ca tru has experienced a revival and is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Kim Duc believes that the soul of the art has faded, with too few artists committed to mastering it. She emphasizes that those who wish to learn ca tru must have deep passion and perseverance. After years of contributions to the nation's arts, she was awarded the title of People's Artist.

Although not born into a family of musicians and with no formal training, artist Van Mai's passion for ca tru led her to dedicate over a decade to self-teaching and mastering the art form. Hailing from the rice-growing region of Thai Binh, she was blessed with a natural voice that is both clear and powerful, enabling her to perform various styles of singing.

Her journey into ca tru began when she accidentally heard the voice of Quach Thi Ho on the radio, sparking her passion for the art. Determined to learn, she collected recordings from famous ca tru masters and taught herself the craft. After many years of practice, her voice became increasingly refined and smooth. Now, she dedicates her time to teaching ca tru to younger generations for free.

Born in 1924 in Thuy Nguyen, Hai Phong, artist Nguyen Thi Chin grew up in a family with a rich tradition of singing. With her natural talent and clear, emotional voice, she mastered various singing styles and became an outstanding ca nương. When Hai Phong city decided to preserve this traditional art form, she, along with other senior ca nương, helped establish a ca tru club, revitalizing the art in the region.

She successfully trained many students, and with the club, won several awards. The image of Nguyen Thi Chin remains a great source of inspiration for ca nương and researchers alike, encouraging them to preserve and promote the art of ca tru.

One of the key contributors to the preservation and teaching of ca tru in her hometown of Chau Hoa, artist Nguyen Thi Thanh has inherited both the tradition from her family and a deep passion for the art. Over time, the melodies of ca tru have become a part of her life, intertwined like a destined connection.

With her talent and love for the craft, Nguyen Thi Thanh quietly passes on her knowledge and skills to the younger generation in her village, ensuring they appreciate the value of this traditional art form. She rightfully earned the title of Folk Artist in Ca Tru, an honor bestowed by the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association.

Born into a family with a long-standing tradition of singing ca tru, Nguyen Thi Thiep started performing with her siblings in the Kinh Bac region from a young age. When ca tru was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage, she felt immense pride and joy that this traditional art was gaining international recognition.

Despite her advanced age, she continues to perform and teach ca tru wherever there are enthusiasts. To date, she has taught over 100 students from various provinces, hoping to inspire the younger generation to keep this folk art form alive.

As the head of the Thượng Mỗ Ca Trù Club in Đan Phượng, artisan Nguyễn Thị Tam is the daughter of the famous ca nương Nguyễn Thị Chản, who was well-known throughout the region in the 1940s. At just eight years old, she began following her family's performance troupe, singing across various locations. As she matured, Nguyễn Thị Tam demonstrated exceptional talent as a ca nương and was taught the traditional ca trù songs by her grandparents and parents. She became deeply engrossed in the rhythms and melodies of the art form, dedicating herself to it day and night.

Although advanced in age, Nguyễn Thị Tam remains deeply passionate about her craft, striving to pass on the art of ca trù to future generations. Many of her students, whom she mentored over the years, have now become skilled ca nương performing in clubs across Vietnam, both in the North and the South.

Born into a family with generations of ca trù performers, Nguyễn Thị Chúc displayed remarkable talent as a ca nương from a very young age. With her passion and dedication, she rose to fame as one of Hanoi's most beloved singers, known for her pure, resonant voice and exquisite technique. Her performances captivated many listeners, earning her a devoted following.

Throughout her lifetime, Nguyễn Thị Chúc was committed to preserving and passing on the tradition of ca trù to younger generations. In recognition of her talent and contributions, she was awarded the title of Folk Artisan by the State in 2005. Widely respected as one of the great figures of the northern ca trù tradition, she passed away at the age of 85 in her hometown of Ngãi Cầu, Hoài Đức, Hanoi.

Starting her journey with ca trù at the age of 11, artisan Nguyễn Thị Khướu from Văn Nhân village, Phú Xuyên, traveled across the country with her grandmother and father, performing ca trù. With a clear, high-pitched voice that mesmerized audiences, she became a beloved figure. Now in her 90s, thanks to her sharp memory and unwavering dedication, Nguyễn Thị Khướu continues to teach ca trù to numerous generations, aiming to ensure the survival of this traditional art form.

In recent years, she has performed across Vietnam with her club, participating in competitions and winning multiple awards. In 2011, she was honored with the title of Folk Artisan, and most recently, she was awarded the title of Excellent Artisan by the President of Vietnam.