In the concert entitled “Sound of bamboo, sound of silk”, the artists boasted their talents through masterpieces of music. People’s Artist Ngo Thanh Hoa performed tunes of the Cheo popular theater of the Red River and recited old verses, Emeritus Artist Doan Thanh Binh showcased the outstanding features of Ca Tru folk singing, and People’s Artist Xuan Hoach treated the audience with Xam singing- a type of street singing. Dam Quang Minh is the concert organizer: “The idea to organize this concert came after a meeting with artists who live faraway from the homeland including artist Huong Thanh. Huong Thanh, who lives in France, wants to have an exchange with artists from the north”.

The title “Sound of bamboo, sound of silk” is closely associated with the idea of incorporating traditional Vietnamese music instruments in the show. They are Đàn đáy (three-stringed plucked lute), đàn nguyệt (moon-shaped lute) and đàn bầu (monochord- one stringed guitar) whose boxes and bodies are all made of bamboo and strings are made of silk. People’s Artist Xuan Hoach has participated in the restoration of folk music genres including Xam and Ca Tru folk singing. He has also spent lot of time and efforts reviving the sound of traditional musical instruments. According to the artist, bamboo represents the elegance and frankness and symbolizes a man of honor. Meanwhile, the soft, warm and romantic sound of silk symbolizes the charm of a female singer. These two symbols reflect the harmony of traditional oriental music. Mr. Hoach said: “We only can feel the beauty of silk when listening to its sound. We really missed the sound of silk when Ca Tru singing was faded out. Now, I’m very happy with the revival of the music and silk strings. We are very happy to hear the beautiful sound of silk in this concert. Artist Kim Duc also shared my feeling”.

The concert “Sound of bamboo, sound of silk” is part of a series of performances showing the quintessence of Ca Tru folk singing, Chau Van ceremonial music, Cheo popular theater, and Xam street singing of the north, Hue chants of the central region and southern Tai Tu singing. Outstanding folk artists from three regions perform most popular pieces of different genres of Vietnamese folk music. Nguyen Xuan Thanh is a spectacular: “The concert is wonderful. It has been a long time that I can watch such a wonderful show. I feel very excited. The concerts reminds me of my childhood when I went with my parents to hear Xam singing and watch Cheo performance. The artists are talented and their performances are outstanding”.

Nguyen The Bach is a young audience: “Through this concert, I learn more about Vietnamese culture. It is a wonderful concert”.

Much effort has been made to revive and promote traditional Vietnamese music. In this concert, the artists did their utmost and showed off their talents to show the beauty of Vietnamese music and express their love for music.