Phuong Hang's unique long-breath Vong Co voice challenges lead male performers

Vietnamese artist Phuong Hang is celebrated for her unique and powerful vocal style in traditional Vietnamese opera, known as cai luong. Her signature is a long-sustained, resonant voice that sets her apart in the genre.

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If mentioning artists after this with a long Vong Co voice that audiences love, Phuong Hang is a unique voice, creating her own style unlike anyone else. Phuong Hang's voice at that time had to be called a 'money-making voice.' She has a very strong voice, a naturally long breath that is not imitated. The breath is standard, precise, high, sung in rhythm and extremely brave.

Playwright Dang Minh, a close collaborator of Hang for four decades, described her voice as "a money-making voice." He noted its natural strength, impressive lung capacity, and precise rhythm, highlighting her confidence and skill on stage. Minh, who previously performed alongside Hang as a lead actor in the Trung Hieu troupe, recalled their successful collaborations on numerous popular plays.

Hang's vocal technique, particularly her ability to hold long notes in the Vong Co style, is so commanding that Minh believes even lead male performers (kep chanh) would struggle to overshadow her. This style requires significant vocal power and stamina, which Hang, even in her middle age, continues to display impressively.

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If mentioning artists after this with a long Vong Co voice that audiences love, Phuong Hang is a unique voice, creating her own style unlike anyone else. Phuong Hang's voice at that time had to be called a 'money-making voice.' She has a very strong voice, a naturally long breath that is not imitated. The breath is standard, precise, high, sung in rhythm and extremely brave.

She is set to perform with past winners of the "Golden Bell Vong Co" competition to promote the art form and the contest itself. In a recent performance on June 16, Hang sang a solo piece titled "Thuong Lybiet" and a duet, "Ly Ngua O," with Golden Bell winner Nguyen Van Khoi, alongside a group performance. Other artists, including Nguyen Thanh Toan and Nhu Y, also showcased their talents in various traditional opera pieces during the event.

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The advantage of Phuong Hang was her voice. Precisely the sweet, rich Vong Co long-breath singing style that many people consider Phuong Hang's voice to be a 'killer voice,' even lead male performers would find it hard to overshadow her.