 Jazz guitarist Thinh Fla and other artists perform at the art program celebrating the 55th anniversary of Vietnam-Sweden diplomatic ties. (Photo courtesy of Thinh Fla) |
Thinh performed at a special jazz program for German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife during their official visit to Vietnam last year, at a concert to celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Sweden, and for Vietnam Culture Week in Sweden and Denmark in 2024. But despite these moments in the spotlight, Thinh maintains a deep sense of humility. His focus isn’t on personal fame, but on the value that art can bring to life.
"Every profession has its ethics – doctors have medical ethics, for example – and artists have their own ethics, too. Part of their ethics is the responsibility to inspire and uplift others," Thinh said.
 Thinh served as a member of the jury for the Hong Kong International Music Festival 2024. (Photo: Harmony of Sunshine) |
After obtaining a master’s degree from the Vietnam National Academy of Music with a perfect score of 10, Thinh, born in 1980, continued his musical studies abroad, spending three years in Paris from 2003 to 2006 and two years at the Malmo Academy of Music in Sweden from 2016. He was the sole Vietnamese representative at the 2002 International Music Festival in Finland. He also served as a member of the jury for the Hong Kong International Music Festival in 2023 and 2024 and performed on many international stages.
However, Thinh faced a choice – remain abroad to build his career or return to Vietnam and start from scratch. He chose to return. Unlike many of his friends who entered show business and pursued entertainment careers, Thinh opted for a quieter path, returning to the place that had nurtured his love for music and passing on what he had learned to younger generations.
 After studying in France and Sweden, jazz guitarist Thinh Fla returned to Vietnam with what he called a mission to introduce the charm of French jazz to Vietnamese audiences. (Photo courtesy of Thinh Fla) |
"For me, studying abroad helped me look into myself and see the decisions within. The place I truly belong is the place I wanted to return to: my homeland. From my international studies, I learned about openness in ideas and creativity. The places I went excelled at connecting countries and regions, using music to erase the boundaries between strangers. That’s why I decided to step out of my comfort zone – the world of classical guitar music that I had been attached to for many years – and try a new style: French jazz. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to this genre for over 20 years, with a desire to make it more familiar with the Vietnamese audience."
 Thinh Fla plays "Hello Sadness", a song by Nguyen Anh Chin during a music workshop. (Photo: Ngoc Mai/VOV5) |
While many in Vietnam find jazz not readily approachable – a genre that requires time and effort to appreciate – Thinh willingly embraced that challenge. He said: "I took up jazz guitar to explore my identity, and I’ve stayed with it, without a single regret. I think I’m someone who enjoys ‘turning the tables’, in a sense. My philosophy is to actively push this genre forward, to seek attention for it, because I see it as the quintessence of humanity. And there’s a powerful motivation: I want my son to see that his father’s efforts were not in vain."
Thinh Fla soon translated his decision into action. He founded the Jazz Guitar department at the Vietnam National Academy of Music, where he serves as its head. He also heads the Art Appreciation Department at the University of Languages and International Studies in Hanoi, where he helps students who aren’t music majors become comfortable playing the guitar and teaches them to embrace their emotions, unleash their potential, and discover their identity through art.
 Thinh and his colleagues perform at a program celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Faculty of Jazz Music and the Jazz Guitar Department of the Vietnam National Academy of Music. (Photo: Harmony of Sunshine) |
In addition, fueled by a passion to make art accessible to everyone, Thinh and his colleagues have launched monthly mini-concerts and guitar workshops, where they share musical skills and inspiring stories, fostering a sense of community and empowering individuals.
"Some people have told me they don’t really connect with art, or they can’t do art, and wonder if they might find themselves through my sessions. I tell them it’s simply not true, because from the moment you’re born, you’re creating art in this world. For me, life is art, and art is life," according to Thinh.
 A view inside one of Thinh's workshops. (Photo: Ngoc Mai/VOV5) |
That was the versatile artist Thinh Fla opening a workshop at the Stella Music & Arts Center – a space he founded to bring together people from diverse backgrounds. Forget formal lectures and distant stages! He sits among the participants, guitar in hand, weaving together performance and conversation from his heart, sharing guidelines and perspectives, creating a connection, and quietly changing lives.
 Guitarist and lecturer Luong Xuan Thinh speaks with participants in his workshop. (Photo: Ngoc Mai/VOV5) |
Thinh’s students see him as a teacher with a fire in his heart – a fire that ignites a love of music and conveys the perceptions of a true artist. Viet Hoang and Hong Nhung, third-year students at the University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University – Hanoi, talked to VOV after attending Thinh’s workshops.
"This is my third time joining teacher Thinh’s sessions, and today I invited some of my friends to attend with me. Through these gatherings, Thinh imparts his experience and insight. I find them immensely valuable because I admire his perspective and how he examines life from a profound viewpoint. It's through music that I can find my true self", said Hoang.
 A corner of the Stella Music & Arts Center, an art space founded by artist Luong Xuan Thinh. (Photo: Ngoc Mai/VOV5) |
"Sessions like this, I feel, are very helpful for my studies. His music and his words are truly touching and inspiring, helping me to balance the pressures in my life and the goals I'm working toward", said Nhung.
"I’ve used the guitar as a tool to connect people, not only in Vietnam but also overseas Vietnamese. I’ve organized online sessions, with each lasting 90 minutes, and each course totaling 15 sessions. This is what I want to contribute to my country – spreading music and its power to as many people as possible," Thinh added.
In today’s rat race with people rushing to seize opportunities and keep up with life’s changes, Thinh Fla, the inspirer, reminds us of the enduring power of human connection through art. Through his efforts, the universal language of jazz will resonate with new audiences.