Events › Intro to Vietnamese Music: Đàn Tranh with Vi An

Have you ever heard the bright, agile and playful sound of the đàn tranh? Come explore one of Vietnam’s most iconic instruments with the Southeast Asian Cultural Heritage Society and special guest Vi An!

In this workshop you will discover how the đàn tranh compares with its cousins, the guzheng and koto, learn the basics of plucking, bending, and ornamenting its shimmering strings, and hear from Vi An on her personal approach, blending tradition with her own modern voice.

Compared with its cousins, the Vietnamese đàn tranh's thinner strings give it a sharper, more spirited sound, perfect for carrying the rhythms of folk songs, the intimacy of poetry, and the pulse of daily life. To bring this instrument to life, we are honored to welcome Vi An — a Saigon-born, Canada-based musician celebrated for her artistry on guzheng, koto, and đàn tranh. Her music is not simply about reproducing tradition; it is about spontaneity, creativity, and emotional connection. Whether bending notes into sighs of longing or plucking them into cascades of joy, Vi An shows how the đàn tranh speaks across cultures and generations.

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This program is presented in partnership with the Southeast Asian Cultural Heritage Society. 

Live Music at VPL is generously supported by VPL Foundation donors.