Binh Duong spends big to preserve “Don ca tai tu” art
Binh Duong has decided to earmark more than 9.7 billion VND (426,800 USD) to protect the “don ca tai tu” art form (southern amateur singing) from 2018-2020, heard a local conference on March 21.
The art of Don ca tai tu music and song in southern Vietnam was named in the list of intangible cultural heirtage of humanity in 2013 (Photo: VNA)
Binh Duong (VNA) – The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the southernprovince of Binh Duong has decided to earmark more than 9.7 billion VND (426,800USD) to protect the “don ca tai tu” art form (southern amateur singing)from 2018-2020, heard a local conference on March 21.
Binh Duong ishome to numerous don ca tai tu clubs, with 844 frequent members. The provincewill collect information to complete dossiers on the art form, while organisingannual don ca tai tu singing and writing contests and festivals.
The money willbe used to buy musical tools and fund the activities of 36 don ca tai tu clubsand groups.
Publicity andtraining work will be conducted on mass media and at schools. The art form willalso be introduced in other communication programmes.
Individuals andunits with outstanding contribution to preserving Don ca tai tu singing will behonoured with awards, titles of People’s Artists, Meritorious Artists and othermore.
Considered one of the country’s main musicgenres, don ca tai tu originated from Hue court music and folk musicof the southern region. The genre has been developing since the 19th century.It thrived in the early 20th century and remains an important part of thecountry’s traditional culture today.
The music is typically performed at festivals,death anniversary rituals and celebrations by farmer-performers.Instrumentalists and singers express their feelings by improvising based on 20principal songs and 72 classical songs.
The art was listed in the Representative List ofthe Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013 by UNESCO.-VNA
After a century of development, the art of Đờncatàitử music and song exists alongside modern entertainment arts and has become a special inner voice for people in the southern region.
The second National “Don Ca Tai Tu” Festival will be held in the southern province of Binh Duong from April 8-12, aiming to honour and promote the unique folk musical art.
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The art of Don ca tai tu music and song in southern Vietnam was named in the list of intangible cultural heirtage of humanity in 2013 (Photo: VNA) 
