Lê Duy Mạnh
Master of Saxophone · Lecturer in Jazz Saxophone
The refined breath of contemporary saxophone
Lê Duy Mạnh is the first Master of Saxophone in Vietnam, and a lecturer in Jazz Saxophone at the Jazz Department of the Vietnam National Academy of Music. Across more than two decades of study, performance and professional teaching, he has made a mark of his own on jazz saxophone in Vietnam.
Music reached him early, through a childhood organ. In 1999 he began his studies at the Hanoi Conservatory, at first on the French horn. In 2004 he committed to the saxophone and stayed with it, under the guidance of the artists Quyền Văn Minh and Quyền Thiện Đắc. After training from intermediate through degree level, he defended his master's thesis in Saxophone in 2015 — becoming the first saxophonist in Vietnam to hold a master's degree in the field.
In 2016 he continued on a full scholarship in Jazz Saxophone at the Malmö Academy of Music, Lund University, Sweden, working directly with the jazz saxophonists Claus Veis Sørensen and Cennet Jönsson. Studying inside the Nordic music scene widened his jazz thinking, his improvisation and his contemporary stage style.
He has performed with the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra, in international jazz programmes and projects, and on numerous arts programmes for VTV and Hanoi Radio & Television. He has also toured and taken part in cultural exchanges in Austria, Italy, Sweden and the United States, travelling with Vietnam's high-level delegations.
His playing draws Jazz, Smooth Jazz and Contemporary together with Vietnamese lyrical song. Through the work of Trịnh Công Sơn, Vũ Thành An, Lam Phương, Nguyễn Ánh 9 and Từ Công Phụng, he shapes a tone that is refined and elegant, full of feeling yet close to the listener. 2019 brought the music video “Hello Việt Nam”, filmed across Europe and at landmarks throughout Vietnam. In 2022 he became the first saxophonist in Vietnam to release an album on vinyl, with Cô Đơn.
Alongside performing, teaching is a substantial part of his career. He lectures in Jazz Saxophone at the Jazz Department of the Vietnam National Academy of Music, training students and passing on stage experience first-hand. His teaching concentrates on the foundations — breath, tone, technique, musicality, harmony, improvisation and stage presence — leading students towards command of the instrument and a musical character of their own.
“Play music with the whole heart” is how he puts it. Lê Duy Mạnh has made his name on stage, but gives as much of himself to teaching — helping jazz saxophone take root and grow in Vietnam.
Career milestones
Into the instrumental world
Began studying at the Hanoi Conservatory, on the French horn.
Finding the saxophone
Formally switched to the saxophone, and to a lasting passion for it.
Vietnam’s first Master of Saxophone
Successfully defended a master's thesis in saxophone performance pedagogy. That August he presented a set of Vietnamese jazz works, "Chùm hoa 8", as part of the Cà Phê Thứ Bảy cultural programme.
Studying in Sweden
Awarded a full scholarship for a year of advanced study in Jazz Saxophone at the Malmö Academy of Music, Lund University, Sweden.
Mini-concert with Professor Håkan Rydin
A mini-concert reporting back on his year of study in Sweden, performed with pianist Professor Håkan Rydin of the Malmö Academy of Music, held in Hanoi.
Debut album “Em”
In December, released the music video "Mùa Thu Cho Em" and his debut album "Em" — nine well-known love songs by Ngô Thụy Miên and Vũ Thành An.
The “Hello Việt Nam” music video
Released on 2 September — filmed across several European countries and at landmarks throughout Vietnam.
The vinyl record “Cô Đơn”
On 29 November he became the first saxophonist in Vietnam to release a saxophone album on vinyl — "Cô Đơn", with works by Nguyễn Văn Tý, Nguyễn Ánh 9, Từ Công Phụng, Trịnh Công Sơn, Cung Tiến and Anh Bằng.
Liveshow Trịnh Jazz
Produced the Trịnh Jazz liveshow at Ba Vì National Park, Hanoi (1 April), followed by a European tour introducing Trịnh Công Sơn's music to audiences abroad.
Performing in Austria and Italy
In July, travelled with the delegation and performed for the Vietnamese President's state visits to Austria and Italy.
Vietnam Culture Week in Sweden
In September, performed in the friendship concert at the Musikaliska Kvarteret concert hall, Stockholm.
Diplomatic occasions in China
Performed at the ceremony marking 75 years of Vietnam–China diplomatic relations (January) and at the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day, both held at the Consulate General of Vietnam in Guangzhou.
European tour and liveshow
A European tour (June) and the liveshow "Có hẹn với mùa thu" (September).
Performing in the United States
In October, performed in Seattle and New York as part of the political and diplomatic programme of Vietnam's high-level delegation, alongside several major television programmes that year.