Biography

Born in 1981 into a non-artistic family in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Nhat Minh Tran’s life was touched by music at a tender age. Fueled by his mother’s love and nurtured by inspiring mentors, he embarked on a remarkable journey that transformed him into one of Vietnam’s most celebrated conductors.

Tran’s musical journey began at the age of six, his fingers dancing across the piano keys under the guidance of local teachers. His exceptional talent blossomed at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of music.

Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a dream of international excellence, Tran ventured abroad. After honing his skills at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, he embarked on a transformative journey to Russia, driven by the inspiration of Prof. Bui Cong Thanh. In Russia, he met Prof. Boris Tevlin at the Moscow Conservatory named after Tchaikovsky, earning a Master of Arts degree in Choral conducting under his tutelage. He further sharpened his skills with renowned conductor Prof. Maestro Gilberto Serembre at the Italian Conducting Academy.

April 2003 marked a significant milestone in Minh’s career when he secured the Second prize in an International Choral Conducting Competition in Vladivosktok – Russia, a testament to his talent and dedication. This competition saw participation from various countries across Europe and Asia.

In March 2006, Minh’s prowess was again on display at a challenging Professional Choral Conducting competition in city Ufa – Russia, organized by the Ministry of Culture of Russian Federation. Despite the stiff competition, he managed to secure the Consolation Prize.

Tran embraced opportunities to conduct the Chamber Choir of Tchaikovsky Conservatory in prestigious European concert halls, gaining invaluable experience and further refining his artistry. He continued to learn and grow through masterclasses conducted by luminaries like Vladimir Spivakov, Teodor Currentzis, and Gudni Emilsson.

For his dedication and love for future of Vietnam music, and with an exceptional education and a wealth of experience, Tran chose to return to Vietnam in 2008. He quickly found his place at the prestigious Ho Chi Minh City Symphony Ballet and Opera (HBSO) as Head of the Opera, embarking on a stellar career filled with achievements:

His talent was quickly recognized, earning him the coveted Excellent Conductor Award at the National Professional Dance and Music Festival in 2009. He is also a two-time Gold Award winner for Choral conductor in 2014 and 2016 at the International Choir Festival organized by Interkultur, solidifying his mastery in choral music.

He has since helmed Vietnam’s leading orchestras and choirs, from HBSO’s Choir and Orchestra to the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra and Hanoi Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tran’s brilliance further shone on the international stage. He was invited to the Grenoble Opera Festival in France to collaborate as an Assistant Conductor on iconic operas like Rigoletto, Carmen, and La Boheme, showcasing his talent on a broader platform.

Beyond his impressive conducting career, Tran is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musical talent. He has served as a faculty member at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music since 2008, sharing his knowledge and passion with aspiring musicians. Additionally, he mentors the Vietnam National Academy of Music Youth Orchestra, investing in the future of Vietnamese classical music.

Tran’s commitment to outreach and community engagement is a crucial pillar of his legacy. He regularly organizes music workshops in universities, outdoor concerts in public spaces, and free concerts for students. This dedication to making classical music accessible to everyone has earned him immense respect and admiration.

Tran’s artistic journey is far from over. In 2023, he embarked on a successful European tour with the Chamber orchestra of the Vietnam National Academy of Music, enchanting audiences at the historic Haydn Hall in Austria and the Italian Presidential Palace. His international influence further extended when he chaired the jury of the national graduation competition for Choral conducting at Kazakhstan National University of Arts, demonstrating his expertise on a global scale.