VietNamNet Bridge – The Tran family – famous on the HCM City’s folk scene – hosted an unusual recent music event.

Prof. Tran Quang Hai, son of the renowned Professor Tran Van Khe’s, performed accompanied by wife Bach Yen.

The evening entertainment went from the sublime to the comedic. Including the rare art of overtone or throat singing as well as playing the spoons and the Jew’s harp.

Overtone singing produces a melody as air travels from the lungs and over the vocal chords. Prof. Hai has researched the art and has added his own take. He has applied overtone singing in modern music, acoustics and even disease treatment. He is founder of the overtone singing school in Europe, which has attracted around 8,000 people from 70 countries.

Meanwhile as a result of his spoon playing prowess he has been dubbed “The King of Spoons” at international music festivals.

He is also on of ten founders of the International Jew’s Harp Association.

Prof. Hai’s research states that instruments can be to cure psychological disorders or help women feel at ease while giving birth.

Following five generations of folk musicians, Prof. Hai has worked for the Musee de l’Homme Museum’s Scientific Research Centre in Paris, France since 1968. Along with his wife, Bach Yen, he has organised over 3,000 shows playing Vietnamese music in 65 countries. He has lectured on Asian music at 120 universities in the world and has participated in over 130 international music festivals.

VietNamNet/VNET