Keeping the rhythm of the old instrument

Despite being over 70 years old, Mr. Y Nguon – Chairman of the Lao Cai Provincial Ethnic Arts and Theatre Club – still maintains a special love for traditional musical instruments. Originally a stage director, his passion has driven him to diligently research, self-study, and study the techniques of playing many traditional instruments. Currently, he is not only proficient in playing the bầu (a type of zither) but also the nguyệt (moon lute), nhị (two-stringed fiddle), and flute. For him, traditional music has become his breath, an inseparable part of his life.

Mr. Y Nguon said: "My passion and enthusiasm have been ingrained in my blood since I was a child. Sometimes, when I can't speak, I use my instrument to express my feelings for my heart."

For him, each musical instrument has its own soul, and to capture that soul, the artist needs patience and perseverance.

Playing a musical instrument is a bit difficult because each instrument has its own unique technique. And to play successfully, you need perseverance, consistency, and you can't get bored," Mr. Nguon confided.

Mr. Y Nguon is passionate about traditional musical instruments, especially the bầu lute.

Driven by his passion for traditional musical instruments, in 2011, Mr. Y Nguon gathered like-minded individuals to establish the Traditional Performing Arts Club. With over 30 members, mostly elderly people, the club is divided into four main groups: dance, drama, singing, and music. Regularly, three times a week, the club holds practice sessions for playing instruments and singing, and stages excerpts and new theatrical performances.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh, from Yen Ninh 2 residential area, Yen Bai ward, is one of the first and most active members of the Club. Although she is already 70 years old, she still enthusiastically practices with everyone. Not only that, she also guides the Club members in practicing each song and correcting each dance move. Despite her age, her voice remains smooth and her movements graceful.

Ms. Minh shared: "Having participated in the club's activities since its inception, and being involved for over a decade, I feel I've gained so much. Not only am I happy and healthy, but I've also been able to fulfill my passion and grow to love my national culture even more."

Rehearsal session of the Provincial Folk Arts Theatre Club.

With over 15 years of dedicated activity, the Club has become a common home for those who love traditional arts. Each practice session not only hones skills but also provides a warm space for them to preserve and spread the precious cultural values of the nation through music and song.

As a lover of culture and arts, Mr. Tran Ngoc Kim, from Yen Thinh 1 residential area, Van Phu ward, has chosen the moon lute as his companion.

He told Kim: "The first time I met and played the moon lute, I was immediately captivated and received guidance from experienced players like Mr. Nguon. I've been practicing and improving my skills for over a decade now. I can now play many different melodies. Participating in the club activities is very enjoyable for me; it's an indispensable part of my life."

Currently, the club has about 4-5 members who know how to play traditional musical instruments. The members practice regularly, playing and singing at the same time, creating a diverse and colorful artistic atmosphere. To date, the club has held hundreds of performances both within and outside the province, serving cultural exchange and local political objectives, bringing traditional music closer to the public.

The club members were captivated by the rhythm of the music and the singing.

Mr. Y Nguon, the club's chairman, shared: "The club was established to fulfill the aspirations of those who love culture and folk songs. I hope that the club's activities will contribute to spreading cultural values and the essence of the nation to the younger generation so that they can continue to preserve our cultural identity."

Social media, technological advancements, and cultural exchange have put many traditional cultural aspects at risk of disappearing. The establishment of clubs with shared interests and passions in Lao Cai, such as the Ethnic Arts and Theatre Club, has contributed to preserving and promoting the value of traditional musical instruments and folk melodies, adding vibrant and joyful sounds to modern life.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/giu-nhip-dan-xua-post881524.html