The 5th National Festival of the traditional “Then” singing of Tay,Nung and Thai ethnic minority groups will take place in the northernprovince of Tuyen Quang from September 24-26.
The event is partof efforts to promote the traditional art to people nationwide in thename of preserving the folk singing.
An exhibitionon the singing style and a workshop on how to preserve and promote thecultural values of the art form will be also arranged.
Thefestival is expected to offer a chance for Then singing artisans acrossthe country to share their experiences in conserving and upholding thevalues of the art form.
Tuyen Quang province is home to 64 Then singing clubs with nearly 1,000 local participants.
There are two types of Then singing: “Then ky yen” (praying for goodthings) and “Then le hoi” (Then festival). The first is performed atrituals while the latter form is to bring cheer and drive away sorrowand hardship in life and is normally used in rituals to pray for goodseasons, enter a new home, or “cap sac” (coming-of-age).
The style of singing is traditionally accompanied by a handmade gourd lute called “Dan Tinh” – the soul of the music.
TuyenQuang has worked with the Vietnam National Academy of Music and othernorthern provinces of Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Thai Nguyen, Lao Cao,Lai Chau and Bac Giang – where the music is also practised – to compilea dossier towards seeking UNESCO recognition of the world intangiblecultural heritage of humanity.-VNA
The event is partof efforts to promote the traditional art to people nationwide in thename of preserving the folk singing.
An exhibitionon the singing style and a workshop on how to preserve and promote thecultural values of the art form will be also arranged.
Thefestival is expected to offer a chance for Then singing artisans acrossthe country to share their experiences in conserving and upholding thevalues of the art form.
Tuyen Quang province is home to 64 Then singing clubs with nearly 1,000 local participants.
There are two types of Then singing: “Then ky yen” (praying for goodthings) and “Then le hoi” (Then festival). The first is performed atrituals while the latter form is to bring cheer and drive away sorrowand hardship in life and is normally used in rituals to pray for goodseasons, enter a new home, or “cap sac” (coming-of-age).
The style of singing is traditionally accompanied by a handmade gourd lute called “Dan Tinh” – the soul of the music.
TuyenQuang has worked with the Vietnam National Academy of Music and othernorthern provinces of Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Thai Nguyen, Lao Cao,Lai Chau and Bac Giang – where the music is also practised – to compilea dossier towards seeking UNESCO recognition of the world intangiblecultural heritage of humanity.-VNA
