Song-writer Nguyễn Phú Quangn performs in one of his musical shows. He passed away on December 8, aged 72. (Photo thethaovanhoa.vn)

Many of his colleagues and friends were shocked by the news and expressed their condolences. Phu Quang was born in Cẩm Khê District in the northern province of Phú Thọ in 1949 as his family was evacuated during the First Indochina War and returned to Hà Nội in 1954.

Most of his 600 songs were about the capital city. He also set music for many poems which then became famous songs, like Em Ơi, Hà Nội Phố (My Dear, Hà Nội Streets), Hà Nội Ngày Trở Về (Hà Nội, the Returning Day) or Im Lặng Đêm Hà Nội (Hà Nội Quiet Night).

In addition, he also wrote symphonies, concertos, as well as film scores, soundtracks and background music for cải lương (reformed opera). The song-writer has published two collections of songs entitled Đâu Phải Bởi Mùa Thu (Not Because of Autumn) in 1990 and Những Tình Khúc Phú Quang Chọn Lọc (Selected Phú Quang Love Songs) in 1995. 

He was honoured with the Excellent Citizen of the Capital 2014 title on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Hà Nội’s Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 - October 10, 2014).

In 2020, Quang was granted the Grand Prize - For the love of Hà Nội, the most important award at the Bùi Xuân Phái - For the Love of Hà Nội for his lifelong love of the capital city, but he couldn't attend due to his serious illness.