Mai Thanh Sơn

Mai Thanh Sơn (Son Mai) is recognised as one of the leading players of the Vietnamese dan nguyet (moon-shaped lute) and traditional percussion instruments in Ho Chi Minh City. Formally trained at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music and inheriting a music passion from a traditional ethnic music family, Son Mai, with his dynamism and international integration, has made significant contributions in introducing the dan nguyet to the global music community.

Despite dedicating a considerable amount of time to managerial activities as the Vice Rector at the Ho Chi Minh City College of Culture and Arts, Son Mai continues to prioritize performances and lectures to introduce traditional Vietnamese music to not only the younger generation in Vietnam but also internationally. With a profound understanding of both tradition and modernity, Son Mai harmoniously blends the distinctive characteristics of Vietnamese ethnic music with contemporary influences. This approach brings him closer to the audience, seeking empathy to foster a love for traditional music among spectators.

In addition to his dedication to traditional music, Son Mai has collaborated with various contemporary music composers such as Nguyễn Thiên Đạo (France), Vũ Nhật Tân (Hanoi), Mael Baily (France), and Remi Gernet (France)…

Son Mai achieved a Gold Medal in the Junior Music Competition in 1999, a Special Prize at the Ho Chi Minh City Festival for Arts (2000), and recently, the Second Prize in the National Solo and Ensemble Competition organised by the Vietnam Ministry of Culture.