Spreading love for folk art among young Hanoians

The art of Xam singing is increasingly cherished by Hanoi's youth. (Photo: Tuan Hung/Vietnam+)

Hanoi (VNA) - On a sweltering weekend evening, at a café steeped in old Hanoi charm, nestled deep in a small alley in Hoan Kiem district, a large crowd of young people gathered to experience the exceptional folk art of Xam singing.

The event, titled "Say Xam," (Enthralled by Xam Singing) was organised by the Interdisciplinary Science and Art School of Hanoi National University, the Centre for Promotion of Vietnam’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the Vietnam Cultural Initiatives Group.

Featuring performances by People’s Artist Xuan Hoach, a veteran of Vietnamese folk music, alongside young artists such as Ngo Van Hao, Dinh Thi Thao, and Pham Van Trinh, the event guided the audience through various emotional stages with stories of love, and passion for Xam art.

The art performance attracts significant interest from young people. (Photo: Tuan Hung/Vietnam+)

The special aspect of this event was that young people not only enjoyed captivating Xam performances but also interacted with guest artists, viewed exhibitions of typical Xam costumes and musical instruments, participated in traditional games, and learned to sing, play instruments, and compose Xam with professional guidance.

Nguyen Duy Loc from Hanoi University of Civil Engineering expressed his excitement: “I’ve listened to Xam through social media but experiencing it live on stage with renowned artists was incredible. The feeling of closing my eyes, immersing myself in the melody, and swaying to the sounds was truly impressive.”

Through diverse and engaging formats, the artists and organizers skillfully conveyed the distinctive cultural values of the unique art, fostering enthusiasm among the younger generation to preserve and maintain this beautiful national tradition.

Emerging in the 14th century at bustling places such as markets, ferry docks, and train stations, Xam was performed by blind entertainers to earn a living.

Experts note that performance distills the essence of various traditional music forms like Cheo singing (traditional opera), Ca Tru (ceremonial singing), Quan Ho (love duet singing), while retaining unique characteristics that set them apart from modern music.

The audience memorize the lyrics of the Xam song "Folk Verses about the 36 Streets" (Photo: Tuan Hung/Vietnam+)

The growing interest and curiosity in Xam, with audiences eager to learn and experience it, has become a driving force and joy for artists striving to preserve this art form.

After the event, artist Xuan Hoach said he is very pleased. “Through 'Say Xam,' I can see the enthusiasm and passion of young people for Xam,” he noted, adding he is truly surprised that this folk art, once less known and performed, is now warmly received.

People's Artist Xuan Hoach and Xam artists interact with young enthusiasts of Xam art at the event. (Photo: Tuan Hung/Vietnam+).

The artisan noted that Xam is now taught and performed widely, garnering public affection. From a common folk performance at public places and a livelihood for many blind individuals, the performance style has now reached the stage for performed for audiences at tourism events and music enthusiasts alike.

To thrive and continue evolving, Hoach said Xam must adapt both in content and form to align with modern audiences. New products need to preserve the essence and unique aspects of the performance style while also resonating with contemporary listeners, to establish a deeper and broader presence./.