This is where people can enjoy several core traditional music genres in the way that they used to be played in the past. Let’s take a look at the most recent show that took place last Friday night, to see how it contributes to preserving traditional Vietnamese music.
Artists sitting on mats, delivering a piece of ca tru traditional singing. This scene was thought to be found only in some documentary footage. But tonight, the audience of Hanoi is enjoying this 600 year old music genre in its very authentic form.
"With this pure traditional atmosphere, I felt like I was living in the time of my grandmother." - Do Chi Kien, Audience.
The show not only impressed the Vietnamese audiences, but also gave the foreign tourists a unique experience.
"Instead of loud applause, artists were encouraged in a special way. Throwing pieces of bamboo at the stage was an ancient way for audiences to reward artists after each performance." - Kees Jan Lastdvager, Audience.
"I want to promote the unique values of Vietnamese traditional music, as it is the identity of Vietnam and can’t be found elsewhere in the world." - Xuan Hoach, Member, "Music Story of Old Quarter" Project.
"Through the show, we want to preserve traditional music, which is now gradually disappearing. We also want to hand these genres of music down to the younger generation. And last but not least, we want to bring traditional music closer to audiences, especially the young ones." - Vu Nhat Tan, Organizer, "Music Story of Old Quarter" Project.
The monthly show “Music Story of Old Quarter” includes performances by 5 basic traditional Vietnamese music genres, including ca trù, xẩm, and chèo. The show hopes to communicate the core values of Vietnam’s culture, history and society to audiences. Duc Toan, from Vietnam Television, Hanoi.
