Keeping the Then singing and Tinh lute playing alive in Dong Trieu

Then singing and Tinh lute playing are unique traditional art forms closely associated with the cultural life of the Tay ethnic group in particular, as well as other ethnic minorities in general. In May 2017, the Then singing and Tinh lute playing club in Trang Luong commune, Dong Trieu city, was established to contribute to maintaining and preserving the distinctive cultural and artistic values of the locality, as well as to serve as a bridge to bring Then singing and Tinh lute playing closer to a wider audience.

A meeting of the Then singing and Dan Tinh playing club in Trang Luong commune, Dong Trieu city. *Photo provided by the club.*

As someone who cherishes the traditional art heritage of his people, Mr. Vi Van Tinh from Trung Luong village has been deeply concerned for many years about how to preserve, maintain, and pass on Then singing and Dan Tinh playing to future generations. Along with many other prominent figures in Then singing and Dan Tinh playing in the commune, Mr. Tinh boldly proposed the idea and collaborated with the commune to establish a club. With enthusiastic support from the commune's People's Committee and the general public, the Then singing and Dan Tinh playing club was officially established in 2017.

Mr. Vi Van Tinh, the club's chairman, shared: "Since its establishment, the number of members has consistently remained around a few dozen. At its peak, it was 40 people. Currently, there are 25. The oldest member is nearly 60 years old, and the youngest is over 30. Once a week, on the weekend, the club holds a meeting. We practice playing instruments and singing together. Here, young and new members are taught by experienced members from the most basic things like how to hold the instrument, choose the right keys, tune the strings, to how to use vocal embellishments, the melody of the song, and how to perform on stage..."

In addition to regular activities, on occasions when the locality has major events such as ethnic festivals, village and neighborhood art festivals, or amateur art performance competitions, the club members discuss plans and organize additional, meticulously planned practice sessions. This activity attracts a large number of local people, especially the younger generations, who enthusiastically participate.

Ms. Vi Thi Ngoc, born in 1993, said: “Currently, I am not yet very proficient in playing the instrument and singing, but I practice diligently to hone my skills, nurture my passion, and practice to pass on to the next generation. Because many of the artisans are elderly and their health is not as robust as it used to be, we feel a responsibility to preserve and safeguard the unique traditional art of our nation.”

A performance of Then singing and Tinh lute playing by the club. *Photo: Provided by the club* .

According to Ms. Lai Thi Men, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Trang Luong commune, Trang Luong is a mountainous commune with 70% of its population being ethnic minorities, of which the Tay ethnic group accounts for about 40%. The Then singing and Tinh lute playing of the Tay ethnic group is a unique folk art form that has been closely associated with the lives of this ethnic group for generations. It is a harmonious and distinctive combination of Tinh lute music, lyrics, and performance; reflecting both the essence of the thousand-year-old culture of the ethnic group and the unique characteristics of the ethnic minorities in the northern mountainous region.

To prevent its decline, preserving and promoting the traditional values of this art form is essential for Trang Luong commune. Developing the Then singing and Dan Tinh playing club model gradually brings this art form closer to the lives of the people, thereby promoting economic development linked to tourism in the locality. Therefore, as soon as the club started operating, the commune's cultural officials went to each house, instilling pride and connecting key individuals who love cultural and artistic activities. At the same time, in collaboration with the town and the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, they organized classes, inviting artisans to teach Then singing and Dan Tinh playing to the people, thereby nurturing and educating the younger generation about the cultural identity of the Tay ethnic community in Trang Luong commune.

“In the coming time, the local authorities will continue to request that all levels of government create conditions to open classes teaching Then singing and Tinh lute playing, and learning the Tay ethnic language for students in the area. Through this, we will contribute to the continued preservation and promotion of the unique cultural values of the ethnic minority community in Trang Luong commune,” Ms. Men said.

Hoang Anh

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