During the "Hay Yeu Nhau Di" (Let's Love Each Other) show, co-organized by the family of musician Trinh Cong Son, many audience members were surprised by the appearance of Kieu Dam Linh. To open the performance, she presented a sound healing bell ringing session. Tran Manh Tuan's saxophone then resonated, blending with organ accompaniment and percussion.

The performance by artist Tran Manh Tuan and his wife at the "Hay Yeu Nhau Di" music night. *Video: Mai Nhat*

The performance was minimally staged, allowing listeners to fully enjoy Trinh music melodies. A famous quote from the musician was projected center stage as a highlight: "Death is the dissolution of the body/ But living is not just the existence of the physical self/ Many are alive but seem to be dead/ Many are dead but still live in the minds of everyone."

At the end of the performance, as the audience applauded, Tran Manh Tuan bowed, extending his hand towards his wife as a gesture of gratitude. The artist stated that performing with Kieu Dam Linh on stage for the first time added an interesting element to the music night and was also a way to thank the person who has silently supported him for so long.

Tran Manh Tuan with his wife during the "Mot Coi Di Ve" performance. *Photo: Ly Vo Phu Hung*

Kieu Dam Linh played a pivotal role in Tran Manh Tuan's recovery after he suffered a stroke in 2021. The artist described his return to performing as "more than a miracle," having faced life-threatening situations on the operating table multiple times. In 8/2021, he was hospitalized for emergency treatment, undergoing brain surgery two times in three days. In the days that followed, he had to practice moving each finger to regain flexibility in his joints. However, in 5/2022, post-Covid-19 complications led to a third brain surgery, followed by a complete restart of his therapy.

During his illness, which coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic, only Kieu Dam Linh could diligently care for her husband. When he first regained consciousness, his wife encouraged him with every spoonful of porridge, urging him to think of his mother, her, and their two children to overcome the ordeal. Kieu Dam Linh often wished she could trade places to see her husband fully recover.

Tran Manh Tuan and his wife during a visit to musician Trinh Cong Son's home in 2023. *Photo: Mai Nhat*

As he underwent physical therapy, his wife was by his side, encouraging him every step of the way. Gradually, Tran Manh Tuan's fingers grew stronger, and his breath recovered. From being able to play only two or three musical phrases and needing assistance to walk, he can now perform many songs continuously on stage. Upon his return, his wife continued her role as manager, meticulously caring for him in both his career and personal life.

Tran Manh Tuan, 55 years old, was born into a family with a musical tradition; his parents and sister were Cai Luong (Vietnamese folk opera) artists. He is the only saxophonist to be nominated five times at the Cong Hien Awards. He has collaborated with many artists, including the family of the late musician Trinh Cong Son, Hong Nhung, Bang Kieu, and Tran Thu Ha.

The artist founded the Sax n' Art jazz club in TP HCM and served as a judge for the Vietnam Idol 2008 competition. He has released dozens of albums, notably "Doc Tau Saxophone Tran Manh Tuan" (1997), "Loi Ru Mat Em" - with Vu Quang Trung, Tran Thu Ha, and Bang Kieu (2000), "Bien Khat" (2001), "Ha Trang" (2002), "Ve Que" (2003), and "Ru Ta Ngam Ngui" (2009). He and his wife married in the mid-1990s and have two children. Their daughter, An Tran, followed in her father's footsteps, becoming a promising talent in Vietnamese music.

At the music night, Tran Manh Tuan reunited with singer Quoc Thien, performing the song "Bien Nho" (Sea of Memories) together. In 2008, when Quoc Thien competed in Vietnam Idol and won first place, Tran Manh Tuan, then a judge, mentored him and offered advice. 17 years later, they had the opportunity to collaborate again. The singer expressed his emotion upon seeing Tran Manh Tuan recover from his ordeal, noting that his technique and form remained as steady as before.

Quoc Thien sings "Bien Nho" accompanied by Tran Manh Tuan's saxophone. *Video: Mai Nhat*

The music night, lasting over two hours, featured many singers performing love songs and "Da Vang" (Yellow Skin) songs, Trinh Cong Son's anti-war genre. After Bui Lan Huong's "Ha Trang" and "Mua Hong," Quoc Thien led the audience into the narrative melody of "Phoi Pha." Duc Tuan energized the atmosphere with a series of songs praising peace: "Xin Cho Toi" (Please Give Me), "Hue Sai Gon Ha Noi." Singer Uyen Linh explored the blue jazz genre with the song "Vet Lan Tram." The Vietnam Idol 2010 winner stated that despite performing Trinh music many times, she still feels great pressure each time she takes the stage, admitting she has yet to fully grasp the depth of his lyrics.

Le Quyen appeared at the end of the show, captivating the audience with "Uot Mi" (Wet Lashes), "Dau Chan Dia Dang" (Footprints of Paradise), and "Song Ve Dau" (Where Do Waves Go). The program concluded with all the artists harmonizing in "De Gio Cuon Di" (Let the Wind Blow Away) and "Noi Vong Tay Lon" (Joining Hands in a Big Circle), songs rarely absent from Trinh music nights.

From left: Duc Tuan, Nakatani Akar (who starred in the film "Em va Trinh"), Le Quyen, Uyen Linh, Tan Son in the final performance. *Photo: Ly Vo Phu Hung*

Singer Trinh Vinh Trinh, the musician's younger sister, was moved that over 300 audience members stayed until the end. According to her, 24 years after Trinh Cong Son's passing, his music continues to resonate, not only with songs about romantic love but also about the pain of human existence, sharing, and mutual support in difficult circumstances. As part of the event, representatives of the Trinh Cong Son family and sponsors raised over 850 million dong to provide gifts for over 2,500 families affected by floods in the Central region, helping them have a warm Tet holiday.

Musician Trinh Cong Son was born in 1939 and passed away on 1/4/2001. He left behind over 600 songs, of which approximately 236 are widely known. Trinh's music is steeped in philosophy, humanism, warmth, and passion, embodying a great love for people, for Vietnam, and celebrating peace. Many famous names are associated with his music, including Khanh Ly, Tuan Ngoc, Hong Nhung, Cam Van, Hong Hanh, and Quang Dung, with Khanh Ly being the iconic voice.

Mai Nhat