Bảo MyGS. Nguyen Lan Dung said that his younger brother - PGS.TS, composer Nguyen Lan Cuong - passed away on the morning of May 6th, at the University Medical Center, National University of Hanoi. Cuong passed away after battling stomach cancer. This news has left friends and colleagues saddened.
Sharing with the reporter Dan Tri, musician Duc Trinh - Chairman of the Vietnam Musicians' Association - said that he was close friends with GS.TS Nguyen Lan Tuat - Cuong's older brother.
The large family of composer Lan Cuong is involved in many fields of science and technology, but many members have a strong passion for music.
"Although he was not trained in music, Cuong actively participated in activities and made significant contributions to the development of the Vietnam Musicians' Association with his songs, choral works...
In archaeology, Cuong is a professor, trained extensively, but in music he self-taught and produced many great works, which is very impressive," musician Duc Trinh remarked.
According to Duc Trinh, outside of his profession, composer Nguyen Lan Cuong was an energetic and beloved person. Despite being over 80 years old, he still rode his motorbike to work all over the place.
"A few days ago, I visited him and saw that he was weak. Upon hearing the news of his passing, I am deeply saddened and mournful," musician Duc Trinh said.
Musician Truong Ngoc Ninh - Former Chairman of the Hanoi Music Association - described Nguyen Lan Cuong as enthusiastic, having led the choral group of the Hanoi Music Association for many successful years.
"Despite his old age, he continued to work diligently, inspiring the younger generation," Ninh recalled.
Musician Giang Son shared that Lan Cuong was a man full of energy with numerous music awards. Friends and colleagues all admired his work ethic.
"Even when he was ill, Cuong still participated in writing songs about the National Assembly and the People's Council. He sent his songs and was eagerly awaiting the results to see if his song would win an award.
He also gave me a book on human anatomy, which was thick and contained valuable information. The book was meticulously written, demonstrating his extensive expertise," Giang Son said.
Giang Son also recounted a memory of the late composer Lan Cuong: "He never thought he was over 80 years old. The last time I saw him, he said he was only 48, not 84. Upon hearing the news of his passing, I am truly saddened."
Composer Lan Cuong had the support of his family in pursuing his art. In addition to his work in archaeology, he served as the Deputy Permanent Chairman of the Hanoi Music Association and was a member of the Vietnam Musicians' Association.
Lan Cuong got married and had children quite late in life. At 41 years old, he got married. His wife was a strong support, taking care of the household and raising their children while he traveled extensively for archaeological research.
He had two children, Nguyen Hoa Cuong and Nguyen Lan Chương, both grown up and with their own careers.
"An interesting thing is that in the Nguyen Lan family, all males have the word 'Lan' after their last name. When the family is together, we have about 80 people, forming a very special community," he once shared during his lifetime.
