Loc Hoa lithophone - from national treasure to far-reaching aspiration

Nguyen Thai Hoa, a student at Loc Ninh town Secondary School, dreams of becoming an ambassador connecting the world with the country through the proud melodies of the nation.

The story of Nguyen Thai Hoa, a 7th grade student at Loc Ninh Town Secondary School (Loc Ninh Commune, Dong Nai Province) who is passionate about lithophones and has just won first prize in the Dong Nai Province Youth Melody Contest 2025 is proof of the journey of preserving and promoting heritage with love and national pride.

Bringing Loc Hoa lithophone into schools

Discovered in Loc Hoa commune (old) now Loc Thanh commune (Dong Nai province), Loc Hoa lithophone has become a unique cultural symbol of the borderland. The intact 14-piece lithophone set, dating back over 3,000 years, is considered one of the oldest percussion instruments of mankind, demonstrating the sophisticated crafting techniques of prehistoric people. This is a clear demonstration of the long history and long-standing presence of humans on this land. The lithophone has been listed by the United Nations Educational , Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a musical instrument in the Central Highlands gong cultural space.

Not only does it have archaeological value, lithophones are also preserved and widely spread today. Recently, Dong Nai province has invested in making 50 sets of lithophones, bringing them to schools, agencies, and communities; organizing many training courses, competitions, and festivals, turning lithophones into a “bridge” between the past and the present.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Chi, Principal of Loc Ninh Town Secondary School, said: “The policy of bringing Loc Hoa lithophones into schools has opened up a useful playground, helping students to approach and promote the value of traditional musical instruments right from when they are still in school. This is not only a way to nurture young talents but also to nurture love for national culture, arousing pride in the homeland’s heritage.”

Lithophone is the oldest percussion instrument in Vietnam and one of the most primitive musical instruments of mankind. It is made of stone bars of different lengths, thicknesses, and thinness. Long, large, and thick stone bars have a low pitch, while short, small, and thin stone bars have a clear sound. The ancients used several types of stone available in the mountainous regions of South Central and Southeast to create this instrument.
Associate Professor, Dr. BUI CHI HOANG, archaeologist, Deputy Director of the Southern Institute of Social Sciences, Head of the Loc Hoa lithophone appraisal team

A 7th grade boy and his dream of bringing lithophones to the world

In fact, lithophones are not only present in galleries but also resound on school stages, art competitions, and community festivals. This shows that the appeal of lithophones is strongly spread when given to the right audience. Standing out among those melodies is Nguyen Thai Hoa. At the age of 12, he found a special passion for lithophones and excellently won first prize for solo performance at the Dong Nai Province Youth Melodies Competition in 2025.

“The first time I learned about the lithophone was in May 2024 and I started practicing it since then. For me, practicing the instrument is the most relaxing time of the day, living fully with the sounds I love. When I step on stage, I just try to perform my best and the moment I heard the announcement of the first prize, I was really happy because my long-time practicing efforts were recognized,” Thai Hoa shared.

For Thai Hoa, the sound of each stone is not only music, but also a part of the national culture. He nurtures the desire to “renew” this musical instrument, bringing the lithophone closer to his peers. He has tried combining the lithophone with children’s music, youth music, even revolutionary music and all have brought pleasant surprises.

Behind Nguyen Thai Hoa's success is the loving support of his family. His mother carefully took care of each costume and came up with performance ideas; his father quietly took him to competitions, adjusted each stone, and even personally built a wooden scaffolding so Hoa could practice comfortably.

Mr. Nguyen Linh, Thai Hoa’s father, shared: “We always accompany our son. Lithophone is a part of our national culture, so we support it even more. Whether he pursues an artistic career or not, the family will always be there.”

Thai Hoa’s passion for lithophone has also been passed on to his younger sister, Nguyen Kieu Mai Phuong, a primary school student. Mai Phuong also recently won first prize in the solo performance at the same competition. She has always admired and idolized her brother, dreaming of one day standing on the big stage with him.

From a simple family, they have found their own great passion. That is how they contribute to keeping the flame of national culture alive, affirming that traditional music can still shine in today's life with the heart and creativity of childhood. The story of Thai Hoa and Mai Phuong is not only a personal joy but also shows the right direction in bringing cultural heritage into schools, arousing national pride in the young generation. When young people know how to love, create and cherish traditional musical instruments, the national cultural treasure will never be forgotten, always engraved in the hearts of every Vietnamese person and have the opportunity to resonate further to new horizons.

Dao Bang

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202509/dan-da-loc-hoa-tu-bao-vat-quoc-gia-den-khat-vong-vuon-xa-e2e7f70/