Southern amateur singing deserves to be honored
(VOVworld) - The art of Don Ca Tai Tu's music and songs from southern Vietnam has been officially recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Researcher Bui Trong Hien said that this was a great honor for Vietnam in general, and in particular for the 21 southern provinces where the art has been developed since the 19th century. Mr. Hien said: "This is Vietnam’s pinnacle of art with stringed instruments. There are hundreds of versions of southern amateur singing which can be performed solo as well as in concert, reflecting the Vietnamese people’s ability to improvise and be creative. Artists can perform the same song in various ways, based on certain regulations of rhythm."
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According to UNESCO’s assessment, this musical genre has met the criteria to be included on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It has been passed down from generation to generation through official and unofficial forms of education in all 21 provinces, where the art form is popular. Don Ca Tai Tu has continuously been popularized through cultural exchanges among peoples, showing their mutual harmony and respect. UNESCO’s recognition was also attributed to a well-prepared dossier put together with consultations with experts. Head of the Heritage Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Nguyen The Hung said: "This recognition shows UNESCO’s high appreciation for the country’s efforts to preserve their heritage over the years. They acknowledge what we have done and the concerted efforts of all related parties. In the dossier submitted to UNESCO, we have stated what has been done and what needs to be done in the future. Our main task right now is to follow what was stated in the dossier."
This southern style of amateur singing was appraised by the National Academy of Musci in 2010 with the involvement of the community. In 2012, the art was listed on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.