The strings of Hoa Tràng An resonate with the mesmerizing melodies of traditional music from all corners of Vietnam, painting poetically with the rich cultural palette of their homeland.
While in Hanoi for recording sessions with Nguyen Ngoc Khánh (who also makes a special guest appearance on this record), producer Mark Moore and Jane Coyle discovered Hoa Tràng An by chance in a local restaurant. They were so mesmerized by the beauty of Hoa Tràng An"s music they could barely speak, except when Mark said, "We have to record them." Jane made some phone calls, and a few days later they began recording the songs that became Hoa Tràng An"s first album, Ancient Flower. All tracks were recorded live in one take, and the results are absolutely breathtaking.
Music from Ancient Flower will be featured in the upcoming short film, LOTUS & LIGHTNING, currently in production for a late 2007 release. Proceeds from both the CD and the film will support village development projects in Vietnam, as well as supporting music and the arts.
To listen to the music online or buy the CD, click here.
The Artists
The name "Hoa Tràng An" means "Ancient Flower of Hanoi," a fitting moniker for this elegant ensemble of five breathtakingly skilled and passionate young women performing the traditional music of Vietnam.
Hoa Tràng An was founded in 1996 by Thanh Dan, inspired by the deep love for traditional music that she shares with the other members of the ensemble. Since then, they have performed their powerfully feminine arrangements of Vietnamese folk music in China, Thailand, Japan, and Germany, in addition to frequent performances at home in Vietnam.
The first studio recordings of their music were released on the nonprofit Earthville Music label in August 2007, with a special guest appearance from Vietnamese virtuoso Nguyen Ngoc Khánh.
Hoa Tràng An:
Ancient Flower
