Entitled Ca Tru - Gin Giu Cho Muon Doi Sau (Ca Tru- Preserve for Future Generations), the shows are put on by ca tru folk band trio Ca Tru Nguoi Viet (Vietnamese Ca Tru).

The band includes 76-year-old singer Nguyen Thi Chuc, player Nguyen Phu De, 83, and their student, singer Pham Thi Hue, 33. Hue, who is the founder of the band, told VOVNews: “Our goal is to restore the distinctive characteristics of Ca tru.”

According to Prof. Tran Van Khe, Ca tru plays an important role in Vietnam’s spiritual life. Their debut band will help preserve and develop this special genre of arts.

Their debut performances left a great impression on Hanoi art lovers and foreigners. David Payne, an expert of the UNDP Hanoi said he has been working in Hanoi for six years and it was the first time he has participated in the live show.

“I am really impressed by the sweet voice of the 83-year-old artisan Nguyen Thi Chuc” Mr Payne said.

Ca tru first appeared in the 11th century and was performed at royal receptions and religious rituals. It was later performed more widely in singing at parlours. The style combines poetry and music and uses a variety of traditional melodic forms.

The band's free performances are organised on the first Saturday of every month in Hanoi.