Young Mong man brings traditional melodies of flute to the world

BHG - Born in 2005, Ly MiCuong has nurtured a passion for music since childhood. Being aware of his responsibility to preserve his ethnic identity, Cuong decided to leave his homeland to further flaunt his musical talent. Cuong has won many international awards thanks to his unique combination of modern songs with traditional musical instruments, such as flute, harp, and ‘khen’ (panpipe).

As a son of Lung Phin Commune, Dong Van District, Ly MiCuong grew up in an indigenous cultural environment and received instruction from local artisans. Cuong can play traditional musical instruments of the Mong ethnic people such as the flute, harp, and ‘khen’.

Photo: Young Mong artist Ly MiCuong.

Cuong said that ‘khen’ plays an important role in the cultural and spiritual lives of the Mong people in his living area. Since childhood, he has heard a lot of flute melodies played by his father and local artists. His father taught him to play‘khen’ when he entered the 8th grade.

In 9th grade, MiCuong went to Hanoi and passed the entrance exam to the Vietnam National Academy of Music (VNAM) with extremely impressive scores. Previously, Cuong played the flute with his instinct and the experience he learnt from local artisans. After becoming a student of the VNAM, he could learn to play instruments methodically and how to breathe and improve the rhythm.

Cuong shared that in the past he just imitated artisans and practiced on his own, so he was not able to practice properly. It was not until he went to VNAM and was instructed by teachers that he was able to improve his playing technique. “I am very lucky because during my studies, I can participate in many art programmes, events, and competitions at home and abroad.

After four years, Cuong has shined in many domestic and international music competitions. He won the Ms&Mr Vietnam Talent in 2022, earned the excellent award for ethnic musical instruments at the Singapore international music competition’s qualifying round in Vietnam 2023, and was crowned champion at the 2024 Zhongsin International Music Competition in the international musical instruments category.

Ly MiCuong has also developed Mong folk art in a contemporary direction by cooperating with Vietnamese and international artists in cultural and artistic development projects. Cuong has brought the indigenous melodies of the Mongpeople beyond his hometown to major music events such as the festival recreating the New Year celebration of the Mong people and a live show of rapper Den Vau.

In the coming time, Cuong wants to learn more about music composition so he can create new musical works that are closer to young people. He also wants to participate in more international competitions to promote Mong flute and music to the world.

MAI ANH