Cultural authorities and traditional artists of Hau Giang province are working on a long-term project to preserve folk music, including Aday singing, which is often staged at community festivals and family ceremonies in the Southern region. (Photo courtesy from thegioidisan.vn) The project aims to introduce and expose young people to Aday, a kind of duetsinging between Khmer men and women often staged at community festivals andfamily ceremonies in the Southern region.
Aday trio and quartet singing are often performed during the Lunar New Yearholiday. Accompanied by musical instruments, the performers deliver songspraising love, nature, and the good.
Under the project, singing contests and performances will be held to introducethe art to the public. Art clubs and training classes on Aday singing will alsobe opened to attract young people.
Books, documents and music videos by cultural researchers and veteran artistsof Aday singing will be also offered.
Local tourist agencies are encouraged to offer new tours aimed at introducingAday singing shows staged by Khmer artists.
“Our project provides young people with better knowledge of Khmer theatre andart,” said Phan Hoang Minh, a senior official of the province’s Long My district.“We hope Khmer youngsters can learn more about their traditional songs anddances."
According to Minh, Aday singing was recognised as a national intangiblecultural heritage in April. It creates more opportunities for Hau Giang tocontinue preserving and promoting this unique art form.
Long My district has two new stages offering shows on Aday singing by localveteran singers. Local art clubs managed by professional performers have alsooffered singing training aimed children and young people.
Veteran artist Danh Ky of Sa Phien Art Club in Long My said that “through ourtraining, we hope to encourage youth to discover Aday singing, which is part ofthe country’s heritage, and some arts that are hundreds of years old.” /.
VNA
