What began as a group of music enthusiasts wishing to sing together has evolved into Gio Xanh (Green Wind) Choir, a common home for nearly 300 members from a wide range of ages and professions.
According to Nguyen Hai Yen, Founder and Conductor of Gio Xanh Choir, the choir was established from the outset with an open and inclusive spirit, regardless of age, occupation, gender, or background. What unites its members is a shared passion for music and a desire to connect with one another through art.
One of Gio Xanh Choir’s most distinctive features is the presence of multiple generations within the same artistic space. At rehearsals and performances alike, it is not uncommon to see six- or seven-year-old children standing alongside members in their later years.
As the choir’s oldest member, 87-year-old Nguyen Thi Tuyet Tam continues to attend rehearsals regularly. She believes the greatest gift that choral singing offers is not merely the joy of music but also the feeling of belonging to a large, multi-generational family.
“Every time I attend a rehearsal or perform on stage, I feel younger, happier, and more motivated to stay healthy and enjoy life,” Tam shared.
Gio Xanh Choir has also actively brought music to the wider community through self-organised concerts, which have now become an annual tradition. To date, the choir has staged 14 concerts funded by the contributions of its members and the support of audiences.
Another intergenerational community choir, Thanh La Choir, has made a strong impression through the participation of members with disabilities. Within this space, music serves as a bridge connecting people from different walks of life, enabling them to meet, support one another, and find empathy.
According to Artist Ha Ny, the choir’s Conductor, the most moving aspect of working with the members has been witnessing the positive changes in each individual: greater confidence, increased openness, and a stronger willingness to engage with the community through music.
As members of Thanh La Choir, Tran Binh Minh and Bach Thi Dung once struggled with self-doubt because of their physical limitations and believed that learning to play a musical instrument was beyond their reach. Encouraged by fellow members, however, they persevered in their practice and can now both play instruments and sing their favourite songs.
“I have realised that although everyone has their own limitations, dreams can still be achieved if we do not give up. Music has brought me joy, confidence, and a deeper appreciation of life every day,” Minh said.
In addition to Thanh La Choir, Artist Ha Ny founded the “Ukulele singing community”, opening its doors to anyone who loves music and seeks to make singing and playing instruments a more natural part of everyday life. Older people and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate, learn, and integrate more fully into the community.
At present, most community choir groups rely primarily on contributions from members and audiences to fund their activities, making it challenging to sustain operations. Nevertheless, these choirs continue to develop steadily because of the meaningful values they bring to participants and society.
A common feature among these choirs is the combination of artistic activity and social responsibility. Alongside regular rehearsals and gatherings, they organise free performances, charity fundraising events, and outreach programmes that bring music to disadvantaged children, older people, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
