I used to cry because I didn't understand why I was so stupid.

In May 2024, joy continued to come to artist Ngo Huong Diep when she won two consecutive International Music Awards in the field of opera . That was the overall victory at the Georges Bizet International Music Competition, First Prize at the Golden Classical Music Awards - International Competition. These achievements are the result of a long process of pursuing passion, with patience and hard work.

Dan Viet reporter had a conversation with artist Ngo Huong Diep.

How do you feel about winning high prizes at two major international opera music competitions?

- I am happy that my voice is recognized by experts around the world . These are all prestigious competitions that have been held for a long time. When I submitted my entry, I did not dare to expect much about the results.

As for the Georges Bizet International Music Competition, I heard the news when the registration deadline was approaching. Before that, in March 2024, I played the role of Carmen - the character in the play of the same name by the world-famous composer Georges Bizet, staged by the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet. That's why I immediately used a video to perform 3 songs to participate.

Two months later, I received notice that I won the competition along with a Chinese opera artist. Recently, the Organizing Committee of the Golden Classical Music Awards - International Competition also announced that I won the overall first prize. With this achievement, I was invited to perform a song at the Walt Disney Theater, Los Angeles, USA.

Opera artist Ngo Huong Diep. (Photo: NVCC)

What is it about opera that makes you passionate and committed?

- Ever since I was an intermediate student at the National Academy of Music, every time I watched my teacher - the late Meritorious Artist Nguyen Phuong Lan perform at the Opera House, I was immersed in her voice, longing to one day stand in front of a large orchestra and sing like that.

The more I study opera, the more I realize that it is a difficult art, requiring good musical sense, diligence and perseverance. Every day, I listen and obsess over the voices and melodies of famous artists, happy when my singing improves. To me, opera is attractive because it seems to have no end, no limits, stimulating the creativity and work of the artist.

In fact, being a professional artist is like being an athlete, you have to practice every day, if you neglect it for a while, you will fall behind and fail.

Opera is a classical and elegant art form but also very selective of its audience. How did you come to opera?

- My father worked as an artist in the Quang Ninh province art troupe. From a young age, I inherited from him his musical sense, voice, and love of melodies. Of course, like many other young people, I did not listen to opera, and was completely unfamiliar with the orchestra with all kinds of instruments on stage.

At the age of 18, I took the entrance exam to the National Academy of Music for the first time, but… failed. I failed because I didn’t have enough preparation, I failed because I was self-conscious and was hesitant about pursuing music due to my chubby, short appearance. Then, I went to study another major for 2 years, until my mother said: “I think singing is the best thing for you, don’t go to random classes anymore!”

Listening to my mother, I returned to the National Academy of Music, studied seriously and passed the exam. My instructor at that time was Meritorious Artist Nguyen Phuong Lan. She told me: "You have the voice and passion, be confident to conquer this music genre". She was also the one who guided me to become an artist of the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet.

I sometimes tell the story of that year to my students and friends, to spread positive things. Sometimes, in life, good things will not come to us immediately. I never thought that I would be selected to study abroad, become a soloist at the theater, and then be able to conquer international awards like now.

Artist Ngo Huong Diep in the role of Carmen in the opera of the same name. (Photo: NVCC)

The road to success has not been a bed of roses. Was there a time when you felt discouraged or thought opera was not for you?

- Sometimes I still remember the image of myself when I was studying abroad in Romania, a country with many world-famous opera artists. Those were cold winter days, the streets were covered in snow, and I only left the music school to return home late at night.

I can bear any hardship, being alone is fine with me, but what disappoints me the most is that I study for a while but make no progress. I practice and practice, I cry because I wonder why I am so stupid.

After some time of being immersed in it, I realized that maybe the teacher’s method was not suitable for me. I looked for extra classes, tried my best, and soon after, I made new progress.

Just like in sports, there is always competition in the arts. As a soloist, do you ever feel like you always have to take the lead role?

- Of course, every time there is a project, any artist will try their best. We not only compete with each other but also with ourselves of yesterday, that competition makes the art always develop.

I don't think I always have to take on the lead role. However, before taking on any role, I always set a clear goal: No one can surpass what I show on stage.

If I were the main role, how would I express my emotions? If I were a supporting role, what would I need to do to not stand out more than the main role, but still leave my mark on the stage? Of course, people can still overcome it, but the goal is to make me "burn myself out", to be passionate about my profession, no matter how big or small the role is.

The happy family of artist Ngo Huong Diep. (Photo: NVCC)

Are Vietnamese audiences more open to opera, in your opinion?

- Opera is a picky audience, which is an undeniable fact. Personally, I think it is impossible to demand that a difficult music genre be sung everywhere, especially when Vietnam is not the cradle of this art form. In Romania, I have witnessed people singing opera in parks and train stations.

In recent years, I have seen positive signs as more and more audiences are interested in opera. Among them are many people from Gen Z, those who have studied abroad or learned vocal music since childhood... There are also audiences over 60 years old who have never missed a program, always patient and encouraging us artists, even on days when the sound quality is not so good...

You got married after 30. Is your husband one of your fans?

- My husband sings well and loves music, but it's a different profession, and he doesn't have many opportunities to listen to his wife sing opera. Over the years, I've been lucky to have him support me in doing what I want, creating opportunities for me to perform and teach.

Many times, he gave me advice on how to sing Vietnamese songs when listening to me practice, as an audience member. His comments were usually quite accurate, so since we got married, I often asked my husband for his opinion.

I am also lucky to have a caring mother and mother-in-law. She is always ready to support me in taking care of my child, helping me to quickly return to work and my passion for art.

Thanks for sharing!

Source: https://danviet.vn/nu-nghe-si-viet-gianh-2-giai-thuong-am-nhac-quoc-te-toi-tung-bat-khoc-vi-khong-hieu-sao-minh-dot-the-20240530131538736.htm