VND65 billion for folk music preservation
The northern province of Bac Ninh will spend nearly VND65 billion on preserving Quan ho (love duet singing) and Ca tru (ceremonial singing) as part of a 2013 - 2020 project.
It is one of the province’s important tasks to continue implementing its commitments to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to protect the Quan ho singing heritage.
Under the recently approved project, Bac Ninh will invest in programmes teaching Quan ho singing to young people, establish and improve cultural institutions relating to the existing and development of Quan ho villages, as well as promoting the traditional singing.
The project will also help collect and restore forms of Ca Tru singing in the province, popularise folk music, buy instruments and restore cultural institutions relating to the singing.
Quan ho, which was inscribed in UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage of humanity list in September 2009, is an art form combining various elements, including music, lyrics, costume and a unique style of singing that reflects the close relationship between the singers.
Apart from 45 origin Quan ho villages, Bac Ninh now has 329 practice ones. The folk musicians are honoured and benefit from support policies.
Ca tru (also known as ‘hat a dao’ and ‘hat noi’) dates back to the 15th century and is listed among 12 intangible global cultural heritage examples in danger ofdying out.
Ca Tru, like many old and highly developed arts, has many forms. However, the most widely known and performed type of ca tru involves only three performers: a female vocalist, a lute player and a spectator (who also takes part in the performance).
There are now four ca tru clubs in Bac Ninh province.