NSND Dương Kim Ngân recently shared her story with a delegation from the General Staff, visiting and performing for soldiers and locals on Trường Sa Island.
Colonel, NSND Dương Kim Ngân, known as the “Songbird of Viet Bac” by colleagues and fans. (Photo provided by the subject).
On April 20th, she will participate in rehearsals and perform in the Đất nước trọn niềm vui (A Nation Full of Joy) art program at Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025).
The female singer proudly dons the uniform, bringing her talent and songs to serve people and soldiers across the country.
“I’m fortunate to have a warm, evocative, and powerful voice, allowing me to sing many lyrical and revolutionary songs. I also sing many familiar folk songs from the Viet Bac region. This allows me to confidently perform on stage,” said NSND Dương Kim Ngân.
From a young age, she demonstrated a talent and passion for music, attracting the attention of the Army Cultural Troupe of Military Region 1 during a recruitment event. She is currently the head of the Army Cultural Troupe of Military Region 1, holding the rank of Colonel.
Before taking on this role, she studied vocal performance at the Military Academy of Culture and Arts (now the Military University of Culture and Arts).
Audiences and colleagues often refer to Kim Ngân as the “Songbird of Viet Bac.” Explaining this title, she said: “While working with the Military Region 1 Cultural Troupe, I often performed for soldiers and the people in provinces and cities throughout the Viet Bac region, such as Cao Bằng, Bắc Kạn, Lạng Sơn, Hà Giang, Thái Nguyên, and Tuyên Quang, singing songs with strong Vietnamese folk influences. As an artistic leader, I have always worked alongside my fellow artists and performers, bringing art to the soldiers and people of the Viet Bac mountains,” she said.
Under the direction of NSND Dương Kim Ngân, the Military Region 1 Cultural Troupe has left a significant mark with high-quality art programs like Khởi nguồn Việt Bắc, Âm hưởng gió ngàn, Sắc màu Việt Bắc (Viet Bac Origin, Whispers of the Wind, Colors of Viet Bac).
These programs have earned the unit numerous awards, including a Gold Medal at the National Music and Dance Festival in 2015, a Gold Medal at the All-Army Professional Art Festival in 2018, and a Gold Medal at the All-People National Defense Professional Art Festival in 2023.
Beyond her career, NSND Kim Ngân has a strong family foundation. Her husband is a soldier, and they have three children. Her eldest daughter has also joined the family’s ranks.
NSND Kim Ngân and her husband met through song. (Photo provided by the subject).
The artist shared that during performances, she usually sings 3-4 songs. Each time, the soldiers would enthusiastically sing along. It was her profession that brought her closer to her husband.
“During a performance at Regiment 2, while singing ‘Whispering to the River,’ I asked, ‘In the afternoon, will you wait for me?’ My husband stood up and said, ‘I will wait for you, Ngân.’ Later, we became husband and wife. It was art that brought us together, guiding and supporting us on our military journey,” she recalled.
