With enthusiasm and love, a man in his eighties has devoted himself to preserving the rich traditional character of Hre people in the central province of Quang Ngai.
 
Craftsman Dinh Van Uoc is one of a few local people who can manufacture and play Hre musical instruments.

Despite old age and poor health, craftsman Uoc can still make four types of musical instruments played by the Hre people for years.

Some examples can be found at Ba To Museum in the district of the same name.

Uoc said the musical instruments have existed for a long time, and he hopes young generations will be able to utilise them proficiently.

In the context where the provincial economy has developed and living standards have improved, not many youngsters show an interest in the traditional musical instruments.

Familiar melodies of Hre people like the sound of gongs are going to disappear.

Pham Thi Hong, an official with the Cultural Information Office in Quang Ngai province’s Tra Bong District said she is proud to be a member of the Hre group, and she hopes more training courses will open for young generations of Hre people to learn about their traditional musical instruments.-VNA