I composed Anio-san, Oukakutome as part of the Gamelan Intercultural Composition Project during the 2023 Oregon Bach Festival Composers Symposium. Inspired by the story of Princess Ngọc Hoa (玉華), also known as Princess Oukakutome or “Anio-san” in Japan, this composition explores the heart of a Vietnamese princess who transcended borders with love.
During a time when Vietnam was divided, with the Trịnh family ruling the North and the Nguyễn family dominating the Central and South, Princess Ngọc Hoa was born into the Nguyễn family. As the Nguyễn regime expanded its influence and battled the Trịnh family, they forged a strong connection with prominent Japanese merchants of the Bunroku era. Among these merchants was Araki Sotaro (荒木宗太郎), who was a samurai before traveling the sea as a merchant and captain. In 1619, Araki Sotaro and Princess Ngọc Hoa were married, and they embarked aboard his red-seal ship to Nagasaki, where Ngọc Hoa would spend the rest of her days.
Ngọc Hoa’s story echoes the experiences of numerous Vietnamese princesses who were married off to distant lands for political reasons, often leaving behind the hope of a love-filled marriage and any chance to see their homeland again. However, I believe the scarce historical accounts surrounding Ngọc Hoa suggest a deep and genuine love between her and Araki Sotaro. The princess became her husband’s trusted companion and captured the hearts of the people in Nagasaki, who affectionately called her “Anio-san.” This endearing term likely originated from the Vietnamese phrase “anh ơi!” that Ngọc Hoa used to address her beloved husband.
To me, the combination of instruments portrait the soundscape of this story, in which a Japanese adventurer (represented by the Shakuhachi) roamed the prosperous Southeast Asia sea (the Gamelan) and ultimately found his true love in Vietnam (the Đờn Tranh). As the instruments with their unique characteristics are blended together, they celebrate the profound beauty that can be discovered when cultures intertwine in love.
Premiered at the Oregon Bach Festival Composers Symposium Gamelan Celebration Concert, July 05, 2023.
Ky Nam Nguyen (đàn tranh), Daniel De Togni (Shakuhachi), Joseph Rondeau (alto flute), and Composers of OBFCS (Balinese Gamelan)
Dr. Robert Kyr is a professor of composition and theory at the University of Oregon and the director of the Composer Symposium at the Bach Oregon Festival. His passion and tireless dedication is a true inspiration to me. In this video, as he introduces my work, he mentioned a wonderful collaboration that led to the creation of his Symphony No. 10, Ah Nagasaki: Ashes into Light (2005). It’s a testament to how we, as human beings, yearn for deep connections and lasting peace. Also, the arts can bridge gaps and bring us closer, regardless of our backgrounds and differences.