Project helps preserve Xoan singing
13:39, 2014/03/17
Government will grant a project worth A VND165 billion (US$7.85 million) for helping encourage artisans, amateur singers and young people in the northern province of Phu Tho to keep xoan alive.
Nguyen Ngoc An, director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the project is part of efforts to take xoan singing off the list of UNESCO cultural intangible heritage forms in urgent need of preservation by 2015. Under the project, a centre for training local singers will be established, researchers will work to digitalise xoan songs and traditional festivals will be restored.
"Preserving and developing is hard because artisans are getting older. Meanwhile, youths lack knowledge about xoan singing and are not aware of the importance of protecting it as a form of world cultural heritage," An said.
Nguyen Thi Lich, head of An Thai xoan singing group in Phuong Lau Commune, is one of a handful of artisans making efforts to teach xoan singing to young people. Her classes are very crowded with learners from six to 60 years of age.
In addition to holding classes in her home, she's gone to teach the art at primary, junior and high schools throughout the province.
"Teaching xoan singing in the schools is key to helping young people contribute to keep xoan singing alive," said Nguyen Van Liem, deputy director of the provincial Department of Training and Education.
Xoan singing, also known as hat cua dinh (singing at the communal house), has existed since the Hung Kings dynasty more than 2,000 years ago. In the past, people in Van Lang nation (now Phu Tho Province) sang these songs in the spring to welcome the new year. There are three forms of xoan singing: ritual singing to pray for good crops and health, worship singing to commemorate the Hung Kings and village guardian gods and festive singing, a form of love duet.
The art form has been granted the "world cultural heritage" title by UNESCO in November 2011
17:23, 2024/11/20
Hang Ma Street gears up for festive season
Locals look forward to the holiday season, and Hanoi's Old Quarter is a hive of activity as Christmas preparations get underway.
14:00, 2024/11/19
Vietnam hosts International Piano Competition
The Vietnam International Piano Competition & Festival aims to become one of the most prestigious piano competitions and cultural events in the country.
19:02, 2024/11/18
Vietnamese national costumes are making a comeback
The "Bach Hoa Bo Hanh" or "Parade of Flowers" is a celebration of the Vietnamese national attire, showing young people's love and pride for the nation's cultural heritage.
22:11, 2024/11/12
7th Hanoi International Film Festival concludes with grand finale
The annual film event has once again cemented Vietnam's position as a destination for global cross-cultural interaction, demonstrating the power of film to transcend cultural boundaries.
10:51, 2024/11/12
Hanoi: A must-visit for solo travelers
Hanoi's vibrant energy and hustle and bustle of year-end festivals create a dynamic atmosphere that makes it an ideal destination for solo travellers, offering a sense of connection amidst the hectic pace of the city.
15:54, 2024/11/11
Opening of international piano competition in Vietnam
The goal of the first-ever Vietnam International Piano Competition and Festival is to establish itself as one of the country's most prominent piano contests and cultural events.
- Hanoi Festival of Creative Design 2024: celebrating the capital's cultural innovation
- Hanoi: Innovative crossroads to celebrate creative values
- 7th Hanoi International Film Festival to honor exceptional and creative works
- Adorable baby hippo wows Hanoi visitors
- Berlin Film Festival award-winning motion picture premieres in Vietnam
- A Vietnamese designer makes a splash at Vancouver Fashion Week