Preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Don Ca Tai Tu (traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music) in Tay Ninh.

In the broader context, Tay Ninh is one of the regions in Southern Vietnam that has become a shining example in the journey of preserving, transmitting, and promoting the value of traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music.

Recognized by UNESCO as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2013, Southern Vietnamese folk music (Đờn ca tài tử Nam Bộ) is not only a traditional musical form but also the soul of the Southern region. Within this broader context, Tay Ninh has become a shining example in the journey of preserving, transmitting, and promoting the value of this unique art form.

With its rich cultural traditions, Tay Ninh has nurtured many renowned folk artists, contributing to the unique character of traditional folk music in the lives of its people.

Southern Vietnamese folk music is considered the soul of the South.

Traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music (Đờn ca tài tử) has been present in Tay Ninh since very early times, when groups of male and female musicians from the Mekong Delta and Eastern regions migrated along the Vam Co River to settle there. Over time, this art form gradually blended into the spiritual life of the local people. On moonlit nights, the sounds of the kìm and cò string instruments, and the melodious Vọng Cổ singing echoing across the fields or along the riverbanks have become beautiful memories for many generations of Tay Ninh residents.

What defines the unique character of Tay Ninh's traditional folk music is the harmonious blend of the rustic simplicity of the working people and the sophistication of performance techniques. The musicians of Tay Ninh don't play or sing ostentatiously; instead, they focus primarily on emotion, sincerity, and the "amateur" spirit – that is, passion and love for the art form rather than professional performance. This is what creates its closeness, everyday life, and captivating appeal.

Behind the enduring existence of Don Ca Tai Tu (traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music) in Tay Ninh lies the dedication of hundreds of artisans and artists. They may be farmers, teachers, retired officials, or ordinary workers, but they all share a passion for traditional music.

Many amateur clubs operating at the commune, ward, and district levels have become "common homes" where generations meet, practice, and exchange techniques. Numerous artisans have dedicated their time and effort to teaching young people for free, helping to ignite a passion for this art form in the younger generation. Impromptu performances at cultural centers, village communal houses, or traditional festivals are clear evidence of the vitality of this art form.

Over the years, Tay Ninh has implemented many policies to preserve and promote the value of Don Ca Tai Tu (traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music), especially by passing on knowledge and love for this art form to the younger generation.

Over the years, Tay Ninh has actively implemented programs to preserve traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music (Don Ca Tai Tu) in conjunction with community life. Many localities have established folk music troupes and clubs and regularly organize communal activities. Some typical activities include:

Provincial-level Traditional Music Festival: held annually, creating a platform for artists and discovering young talents.

Bringing traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music (Đờn ca tài tử) into schools: through extracurricular activities and folk music clubs, helping students access this heritage from an early age.

In collaboration with tourism units, incorporate traditional folk music performances into tours visiting Ba Den Mountain, Dau Tieng Lake, and Tay Ninh Holy See, creating a cultural highlight for tourists.

Thanks to these efforts, Don Ca Tai Tu (traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music) not only survives in small gatherings but has become an integral part of local cultural activities, contributing to enriching the spiritual life of the people.

Cultural preservation is not just about keeping what already exists, but also about knowing how to integrate it into modern life in a suitable way. Tay Ninh is gradually doing this through:

Innovating performance styles: Many young amateur groups are boldly incorporating modern elements into their performances, such as new musical arrangements, performing on tourist stages, and incorporating lighting and costumes. While still maintaining the original amateur style, this new approach has made it more accessible to younger audiences.

Leveraging heritage in conjunction with tourism: Tay Ninh boasts many famous destinations. Combining traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music performances at eco-tourism and cultural sites provides visitors with a more complete experience. The "tourism - art - experience" model promises to become a sustainable development direction.

Improving the quality of training: The province collaborates with cultural centers and art schools to organize training courses and skill development programs for young artisans, while also supporting clubs to operate more effectively.

Despite achieving many positive results, the preservation of Don Ca Tai Tu (traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music) in Tay Ninh still faces challenges: Younger generations are less interested due to being drawn to modern music; some older artisans – those who possess traditional techniques – are no longer able to teach extensively; limited funding hinders the organization of large-scale activities; and the space for performing arts is shrinking, especially in rapidly urbanizing areas.

To overcome these difficulties, the concerted efforts of the entire community are essential, from the government and schools to artisans and individual families.

Traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music (Đờn ca tài tử) is the identity and soul of the Southern region, and for Tay Ninh, it is also a source of pride in its cultural tradition. Preserving and promoting this art form is not only the responsibility of the cultural sector but also a shared responsibility of the community.

Preserving Don Ca Tai Tu means preserving the melodies and songs that have been associated with generations; it means preserving the way of life and artistic appreciation of the people of Tay Ninh; and moreover, it means preserving a part of the nation's cultural memory.

Only when this heritage is continuously passed on and placed in its proper position within contemporary life will Don Ca Tai Tu continue to resonate in the heart of Tay Ninh - a land of compassion and rich cultural identity.

Duong Lieu - Tran Quoc Thinh

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/giu-gin-va-phat-huy-di-san-van-hoa-don-ca-tai-tu-tai-tay-ninh-ar991763.html