A "xam" band from Ninh Binh province performs at the press conference to announce the festival (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Artists fromacross the country aged 7-70 will perform at the "xam" (blindwanderers’ music) festival from December 3-5 in the northern province of NinhBinh.
Fifteen clubs had registered to take part,according to Nguyen Manh Cuong, Director of Ninh Binh province’s Department ofCulture and Sports.
The festival is designed to preserve andpromote the art of singing and introduce the country's traditionalheritage to international visitors, he said at a recent pressconference in Hanoi.
“We host the festival because Ninh Binh isconsidered the cradle of the ”xam” singing, the hometown ofMeritorious Artist Ha Thi Cau (1917-2013), the so-called 'last humane treasureof xam' and the most famous artisan of this genre,” he said.
“Xam” clubs and training classes have beenopened for people who are interested in the art, including children andelders.”
After the festival, cultural departmentsin Ninh Binh and other northern provinces will send an application to theMinistry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for recognition of ”xam” as anational intangible heritage. It’s the first step to nominate ”xam” as anUNESCO heritage.
Each club will present three pieces, each 15 minuteslong. The pieces include both traditional tunes and songs with new lyrics.
“The content of the songs is varied,showing the creativity and professionalism of modern artists,” said musicianThao Giang, head of the jury board.
“The songs reflect patriotism and urgent issuesin society such as traffic accidents, sovereignty andmaritime territory.”
Artist Nguyen Linh, 28, from Ninh Binh province,said the artists were eager for the festival as they considered it a chance toexchange with each other and promote the traditional art form.
“I have practised andperformed ”xam” for more than 10 years. We want topreserve ”xam” and introduce the art to more people,” he said.
Apart from competitions, a seminar will be heldin the framework of the festival with the participation of experts, culturalauthorities and ”xam” artists. They will discuss how to promotethe art form to the world and popularise it among the next generation.
Representatives of the clubs and the organisingboard will visit late artisan Cau’s house in Yen Mo district, Ninh Binh province.
“Xam” is a centuries-old singing style ofthe Vietnamese people. It was popular in the northern region and has long beenrecognised as an important part of national cultural heritage.A ”xam” band includes a singer and two to four instrumentalists.
“Xam” Ha Thanh Group with musician Nguyen QuangLong, singer Mai Tuyet Hoa and other instrumentalists perform at Ly Thai ToGarden by Hoan Kiem (Returned Sword) Lake on Friday, Saturdayand Sunday evenings./.
Fifteen clubs had registered to take part,according to Nguyen Manh Cuong, Director of Ninh Binh province’s Department ofCulture and Sports.
The festival is designed to preserve andpromote the art of singing and introduce the country's traditionalheritage to international visitors, he said at a recent pressconference in Hanoi.
“We host the festival because Ninh Binh isconsidered the cradle of the ”xam” singing, the hometown ofMeritorious Artist Ha Thi Cau (1917-2013), the so-called 'last humane treasureof xam' and the most famous artisan of this genre,” he said.
“Xam” clubs and training classes have beenopened for people who are interested in the art, including children andelders.”
After the festival, cultural departmentsin Ninh Binh and other northern provinces will send an application to theMinistry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for recognition of ”xam” as anational intangible heritage. It’s the first step to nominate ”xam” as anUNESCO heritage.
Each club will present three pieces, each 15 minuteslong. The pieces include both traditional tunes and songs with new lyrics.
“The content of the songs is varied,showing the creativity and professionalism of modern artists,” said musicianThao Giang, head of the jury board.
“The songs reflect patriotism and urgent issuesin society such as traffic accidents, sovereignty andmaritime territory.”
Artist Nguyen Linh, 28, from Ninh Binh province,said the artists were eager for the festival as they considered it a chance toexchange with each other and promote the traditional art form.
“I have practised andperformed ”xam” for more than 10 years. We want topreserve ”xam” and introduce the art to more people,” he said.
Apart from competitions, a seminar will be heldin the framework of the festival with the participation of experts, culturalauthorities and ”xam” artists. They will discuss how to promotethe art form to the world and popularise it among the next generation.
Representatives of the clubs and the organisingboard will visit late artisan Cau’s house in Yen Mo district, Ninh Binh province.
“Xam” is a centuries-old singing style ofthe Vietnamese people. It was popular in the northern region and has long beenrecognised as an important part of national cultural heritage.A ”xam” band includes a singer and two to four instrumentalists.
“Xam” Ha Thanh Group with musician Nguyen QuangLong, singer Mai Tuyet Hoa and other instrumentalists perform at Ly Thai ToGarden by Hoan Kiem (Returned Sword) Lake on Friday, Saturdayand Sunday evenings./.
VNA
