Home

Carrying the tune of tradition, Then singing thrives anew in Lang Son’s Tay community

Chia sẻ

(VOVWORLD) - Then singing is a unique folk music performed by Tay and Nung ethnic groups in north-eastern localities like Lang Son and Cao Bang province. In Khanh Xuan commune, Lang Son province, the local Tay people are trying to preserve and promote Then singing.

Carrying the tune of tradition, Then singing thrives anew in Lang Son’s Tay community - ảnh 1Tay ethnic people in Khanh Xuan commune, Loc Binh district, Lang Son province are making an effort to preserve the values of Then singing. (Source: The Then singing club in Khanh Xuan commune)

Inspired by his mother’s love for Then singing, Luu Thien Tuan began to learn the music genre when he was 14. Tuan traveled extensively to watch performances and study the techniques of Then artists. When a Then singing club was established in Khanh Xuan commune, it became a place for him to refine his singing and teach the next generation.

“I’m very happy and proud to perform the Then songs of our group. Then singing is part of our cultural identity,” said Tuan.

For a time, only a handful of elders knew how to sing Then, which was only performed on special occasions.

Now, 40 women gather three nights a week at the local Then and Tinh musical instrument club to rehearse. The club, founded in 2022, provides its members professional Then training by veteran artists. 

Carrying the tune of tradition, Then singing thrives anew in Lang Son’s Tay community - ảnh 2A performance of the Then singing club in Khanh Xuan commune (Source: The Then singing club in Khanh Xuan commune)

“Like the other members, I feel very honored and proud to be part of preserving our ethnic group’s folk culture. We strive to learn and support others who share our interest in Then singing. We hope to pass on and spread our love for Then,” said Ms. Hoang Thi Nhung, the club’s founder.  

The women learn and practice traditional and modern Then melodies, along with other forms of singing like Sli and Luon.

“I joined the club to help preserve the cultural identity of the Tay people. I feel very happy whenever I perform our traditional songs,” said club member Ma Thi Be.

Carrying the tune of tradition, Then singing thrives anew in Lang Son’s Tay community - ảnh 3Many women in Khanh Xuan commune can confidently take the stage to perform Then singing. (Source: The Then singing club in Khanh Xuan commune)

Today, many women in Khanh Xuan commune can confidently take the stage to perform Then singing. The local Then singing club gives around 20 performances a year, sometimes outside the commune. In 2022, the club members received professional training from the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to enhance their skills and stage presence. In 2023, local authorities gave the club 1,000 USD to purchase sound equipment and costumes.

“Local children who are interested in Then singing can come and watch the performers. In time, they'll become familiar with the songs and may feel inspired to get involved,” Luu Thien Tuan said.


Từ khóa:

Feedback

Others