A class of performing Quan Ho folk song for club members.

Joining the club, the young generation is taught by the “lien anh, lien chi (male/female vocalist)” about the knowledge and skills to perform the melodies. The new members at early childhood are instructed to sing the new and simple lyrics such as Em yeu truong em (I love the school), Trong cay nho bac (Remembering Uncle Ho when planting the tree), Con gau bong (Litte teddy bear) among others.

The club is a meaningful playground for the younger generation in summer days, helping teach them the duet love song and better preserve the national cultural identity. The Center of Culture and Information of Viet Yen district will coordinate with relevant agencies to boost up the communication and folk singing festivals so as to further link the youth to national tradition, contributing to conserving and developing the world intangible cultural heritage. Doan Quang Bieu, Vice Director of the Center of Culture and Information of Viet Yen district.

After grasping the complicated skills of portamento and respire, the vocalists will teach them the old melodies of Long van doi cho (Forever waiting), Giang bao nhieu tuoi giang gia (When does the moon get older), Nam nhi (Male), Xuoi nguoc song Cau (Travelling through Cau river) and so on.

The club members are provided not only with singing performance but also Quan ho culture with its own identity such as gentle and delicate manner as well as humanity meaning. Because the Quan ho artists always behave modestly and humbly, each melody is sweet, romantic and attractive.

Nguyen Thi Minh Hue, a club member shared: “I used to be unconfident and did not know anything about the love duet song. However, I have gained much knowledge about the customs and cultural beauty of Quan ho artists since joining the club; thus feeling the pride of Quan ho – the world intangible cultural heritage”.

Quan ho folk song is a traditional form of Vietnamese music with numerous melodies created by the labor following their habit and customs; hence understanding Quan ho helps the youth further gain the cultural identity in the local inhabitance and inspire their patriotism.

A singing lesson of the club.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuc said: “At the first stage, the club only attracted a few members. Later on, when being introduced, the youngster gradually understands the beauty and meaning of the art form. Currently, the club lures many young members to join to learn singing Quan ho on summer occasion. Though the paid expenses are not small to maintain the classes, I am striving to create the best possible condition to create a helpful playground to the youth as well as preserve and promote the cultural tradition and old beauty inherited from the predecessor”.

Nearly 100 classes have been opened in many locations by the club for 10 years, luring thousands of participants. With the great effort, several members have won high achievements in the festivals. Particularly, Tong Phuong Thao and Le Huy Thuong bagged two single golds in 2016 festival of “National Cultural Houses for Teenagers”.

Thanks to the club, some youths have found their passion for art field, especially Nguyen Viet Hang, a student at University of Theatre and Cinema and Nguyen Thi Hoa Le, a student at Bac Giang Intermediate School of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Huu Trinh