The Hanoi Times — Every weekend, the Old Quarter of Hanoi transforms into a vibrant cultural hub, with the Old Quarter Center for Cultural Exchange at No. 50 Dao Duy Tu Street taking center stage. The Dong Kinh Co Nhac (Ancient Music Group of Tonkin) brings traditional music to life with their regular and free-of-charge performances.
As the sun sets, sedge mats are unfurled on the wooden floor, creating an intimate setting. Traditional instruments, including drums, dan day (two-stringed fiddle), dan bau (monochord), and flutes, are carefully arranged, awaiting the skilled hands of the musicians.
Artists from the Dong Kinh Ancient Music Ensemble captivate audiences with their traditional instruments. Photo courtesy of the ensemble
Captivating Audiences with Pure Vietnamese Music
The ensemble leader, Vu Nhat Tan, explains the unique setup: “The audience area is not separate from the performers, allowing for a charming and intimate experience.” For one hour, the performers and audience are immersed in ancient Dao Lieu poems, the melodies of communal house singing, and classic excerpts from cheo and tuong (operetta) performances.
The pure, ancient music of the legendary troupes of the Thang Long Citadel comes alive. Artist Vu Nhat Tan shares their passion: “We wish to bring authentic traditional Vietnamese music to everyone, especially international audiences.”
Artist Thanh Tam and the Phu Xuan Royal Court Music Group from Thua Thien-Hue enchant audiences at the Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center.
Preserving a Rich Musical Heritage
Founded in 2014 by Vu Nhat Tan and Dam Quang Minh, the Ancient Music Group of Tonkin aims to revive Vietnam’s traditional music, which risks fading in the modern era of pop and karaoke. Their monthly performances in Hanoi showcase five distinct genres: ca tru, hat van, cheo, tuong, and hat xam (Vietnamese operetta). From royal court music to street performances by blind singers, these forms offer a diverse musical journey.
The ensemble is committed to authenticity, preserving the traditional form of the music without modern additions like microphones, which they believe distort the essence. They use original instruments, such as the dan day (three-stringed lute) and dan nguyet (two-stringed lute), meticulously restored by folk artist Nguyen Xuan Hoach.
The Ancient Music Group of Tonkin performs, transporting audiences back in time.
An Immersive Cultural Experience
Each performance is designed to be immersive and intimate. Audience members are encouraged to express their appreciation in traditional ways, such as tossing a bamboo stick into a metal bowl. “Our team of 20 artists has worked tirelessly for years to bring the music back to its original form,” says Tan proudly.
Celebrating Vietnamese Heritage Through Music
Other groups and initiatives share a similar passion for preserving and promoting traditional Vietnamese music. The live music show Ve Kinh Bac (Visit Vietnam’s Northern Area), performed by the Thien Thanh Band, blends traditional sounds with modern creativity. According to band leader Ngo Hong Quang, they skillfully reimagined genres like tuong, cheo, and ca tru, creating a dynamic and youthful musical landscape that resonates with contemporary audiences.
Artist Ngo Hong Quang showcases his mastery of the dan day (two-stringed fiddle). Photo courtesy of the artist
Ve Kinh Bac featured special guests, beatboxer Trung Bao and American cellist Bryan Charles Wilson, whose performances added a unique fusion of musical cultures. The combination of diverse instruments and collaborations created an unforgettable experience.
“Ve Kinh Bac brings audiences closer to the rich cultural heritage of northern Vietnam,” Quang says, “and captivates international listeners with the unique traditions of the Kinh Bac people.”
Sharing the Soul of Vietnam
Other shows, like the “Viet Soul” folk art program held at Sol 8 Live Stage in late 2024, also celebrated Vietnam’s cultural wealth. The inviting atmosphere featured a variety of traditional performances, including a monochord solo of “Hotel California” by People’s Artist Hoang Anh Tu and cheo singing by People’s Artist Minh Phuong, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
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The “Viet Soul” art performance at Sol 8 Live Stage captivates audiences with its unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements. Photo: Jenna Duong
Nguyen Trung Hoang Nam, production director of “Viet Soul,” shared with The Hanoi Times the importance of promoting Vietnamese culture: “It is a shared responsibility, and through our performances, we aim to share the love of Vietnam’s unique folk music with locals and international tourists alike.”
Creating cultural performances that truly resonate with audiences is challenging, and Nam emphasizes the need for collaboration with stage performance experts. “We focus on using folk music elements and creating performances that all audiences can enjoy, even those who may not understand Vietnamese,” he says.
The Old Quarter Center for Cultural Exchange: A borderless stage where traditions come alive.
By performing internationally renowned pieces with traditional instruments, these dedicated groups and artists are ensuring that Vietnamese folk music remains relevant and accessible to global audiences, even in the face of modern musical trends.
Their efforts to preserve and promote Vietnam’s musical heritage are truly remarkable, and their passion for keeping traditions alive is an inspiration to all.
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