On the afternoon of 11/1, approximately 300 people sang and shared stories with musician Pham Tuyen at an event titled "Spring Aspirations." Artist Hong Ky performed "Tu Hao La Em Cac Anh" (Proud to be Your Younger Sibling), a song he and People's Artist Nhu Quynh first sang at seven years old. Hong Ky recalled that musician Pham Tuyen himself taught them the song for a recording with Voice of Vietnam Radio. In 1968, as the anti-American resistance movement intensified, the musician composed this song to convey the pure sentiments of children to soldiers on the front lines.

Members of the Hanoi Children's Club and the Bong Cuc (Daisy) choir, who were the first voices in the "Bong Hoa Nho" (Little Flower) program, harmonized to "Tien Len Doan Vien" (Forward, Union Members) and "Trang Oi Tu Dau Den" (Moon, Where Do You Come From?). These child singers, now in their 70s with graying hair, sang with the same passion and innocence as when they first stood on stage in their youth.

Alongside the voices of the older generation, young singers like Jayden Trinh (Vietnam Idol Kids) and 8-year-old Xe Xe, known as "Em Be Chat" (The Cool Baby), performed the musician's songs with a modern flair. Jayden played guitar, re-arranging "Tieng Chuong Va Ngon Co" (The Bell and the Flag). Xe Xe rapped "Truong Chung Chau La Truong Mam Non" (Our School is a Kindergarten). The boy's performance energized the atmosphere, drawing applause from the audience.

Seated in a wheelchair, musician Pham Tuyen listened intently to his compositions. At times, his lips moved, joining the lyrics that have accompanied him throughout his life. A chronic asthma condition has prevented him from speaking for years. Yet, in response to familiar greetings, he smiled and raised his hand.

Observing his father's emotion, his daughter, journalist Hong Tuyen, encouraged him to speak a few words. The musician suppressed a cough, gathered his breath, and said, "I am very touched that everyone still remembers me. Thank you." Ms. Tuyen added, "Now, my father and I communicate through glances and smiles. This is the longest sentence he has spoken in several years."

Musician Pham Tuyen at the event. He was born on 12/1/1930. Photo: Ha Thu

Ms. Tuyen explained that due to the musician's declining health, his birthday celebrations have been limited to family gatherings for several years. However, in 2025, he received numerous honors, including the Cricket Knight Award and the inclusion of his song "Nhu Co Bac Trong Ngay Dai Thang" (As if Uncle Ho is with us on the day of great victory) in the list of 50 iconic national songs. Consequently, family and friends wanted to organize a larger event. His daughter borrowed the hall at the Vietnam Writers' Association and invited many individuals connected to the musician.

As the organizer, journalist Hong Tuyen managed the program, contacted guests, developed the script, and oversaw material printing. She also handled administrative tasks while accompanying many performances on the piano. During the cake ceremony, instead of singing "Happy Birthday," she led everyone in singing "Chiec Den Ong Sao" (The Star Lantern), a familiar song composed by her father.

For Ms. Hong Tuyen, her father's music grew with each milestone of her childhood. Inspired by his children's stories, he wrote "Truong Chung Chau La Truong Mam Non," "Chung Em La Hoc Sinh Lop Mot" (We Are First Graders), and "Tien Thay Di Bo Doi" (Farewell to Our Teacher Going to the Army). Although he did not speak Russian, musician Pham Tuyen wrote Vietnamese lyrics for many famous Russian songs. His two daughters, Hong Tuyen and Thanh Tuyen, both studied in the former Soviet Union, becoming "language bridges" that conveyed content for his lyrical creations. For the song "Theo Canh Du Bay" (Following the Flying Swing), Ms. Tuyen initially translated the original meaning as "The Winged Swing." Later, he composed lyrics for many famous Russian songs, including "Nu Cuoi" (The Smile) and "Kachiusa."

Journalist Hong Tuyen (right) with her father. Photo: Ha Thu

Many close friends of the musician attending the gathering expressed their emotion. Poet Bui Van Dung, 85 years old, conveyed his message: "He is a beloved elder brother, a role model for me. He lives simply, dedicated to others and to music. I cannot say more than to wish him good health." Writer Le Phuong Lien recalled that in 1993, musician Pham Tuyen himself wrote the Vietnamese lyrics for Japanese songs in the Doraemon movie soundtrack, with the most familiar line being: "Dear friend, it's so much fun! We are still searching for all our dreams." She expressed gratitude for his beautiful lyrics, melodies that have endured through time and the memories of many generations.

Musician Pham Tuyen is a significant figure in modern Vietnamese music. In a prolific career spanning over half a century, he made a profound impact across many genres, notably with his children's songs. With their bright melodies and easy-to-remember lyrics that connect with children's lives and souls, his songs like "Chiec Den Ong Sao," "Canh En Tuoi Tho" (Swallow Wings of Childhood), and "Ca Tuan Deu Ngoan" (Good All Week) have become classic children's anthems.

Article, video: Ha Thu