Nha Nhac is currently performed at many important events held in Hue.

Revival

After the decline of the Nguyen Dynasty, the traditional performing environment was lost, and Nha Nhac seemed to have been buried in the dust of time. Being recognized by UNESCO (November 7, 2003) also opened a new promising chapter for the "revival" of this precious heritage with the core being the Hue Monuments Conservation Center and the Hue Royal Traditional Arts Theater.

According to information from the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, up to now, the collection and archiving work has collected a large amount of valuable data, including: Scientific records on Thai Binh ancient music, Nguyen Dynasty royal court musical instruments, some studies on Nha Nhac pieces such as: Tam Thien, Cung Ti, Phu Luc Dich, Tam Luan Cuu Chuyen, Nam Bai Ken, Muoi Ban Ngu... In addition, a database on Hue Royal Court music has also been built to document images, sounds and texts related to Nha Nhac, contributing to preserving and serving long-term research work.

Performing Royal Music at a ceremony inside the Hue Imperial City. Photo: PHAN THANH

Performance and promotion activities are also a highlight. Domestic and international tours, receptions for diplomatic guests, regular programs at Duyet Thi Duong Theater, performances within the framework of Hue Festival... have contributed to bringing Nha Nhac closer to the public, as well as gradually affirming the value of Nha Nhac in the city's socio -economic development strategy.

Existing challenges

Along with the achievements in preservation and promotion, Nha Nhac is also facing many challenges. First of all, there is an alarming situation regarding human resources. According to statistics from Duyet Thi Duong Theater, the Theater's musician team by the end of 2024 is 44 people, with an average age of 44 years old, of which more than 70% are over 40 years old. And in the near future, when this group of musicians gets older, finding the next generation of artists will be one of the difficult problems.

The appeal of modern art forms and the need to make a living have discouraged many young people from participating in the study and practice of Nha Nhac, while the number of highly qualified artists who are qualified to teach is also gradually decreasing due to age.

Hue tourism industry is making remarkable progress and Nha Nhac has become an important tourism product. However, because it is a tourism product, Nha Nhac is easily shortened and changed to satisfy the audience's taste. And, the trade-off between originality and commerciality is a difficult problem.

In addition, the wave of globalization causes cultural tastes to change rapidly, leading to the risk of traditional values ​​being lost. Maintaining identity in an increasingly “flat” world is also causing headaches for those working to preserve Nha Nhac.

Opportunities & sustainable direction

The special attention of the city government through training programs, investment in facilities, performance organization and international cooperation is creating a solid foundation for the long-term development of Nha Nhac.

Policies to honor artisans are also the motivation for generations of artists to continue to preserve and teach the quintessence of heritage. Bringing Nha Nhac into schools through the program "Heritage Education", or interactive activities such as: "Watching and learning Nha Nhac, royal dance", "Learning and interacting with Hue folk artists" ... organized by Duyet Thi Duong Theater for thousands of teachers and students is a necessary step for the younger generation to feel and appreciate the heritage of their ancestors.

On the other hand, digital technology is opening new doors. A database of Hue Royal Court Music has been built, and performances can be streamed online, helping to reach a wider and more diverse audience.

According to Dr. Phan Thanh Hai, Director of the Department of Culture and Sports, in order to preserve and promote Nha Nhac more effectively and sustainably, it is necessary to first develop a training project with an "address" for the next generation of human resources; closely combine state management, researchers and artisans and must be placed in the principles of logical and dialectical relationships between heritage management and protection with the promotion of values, serving socio-economic development and international integration and exchange.

Next, it is necessary to diversify tourism products associated with Nha Nhac; increase investment resources from the State budget along with socialized resources; promote the application of technology in conservation and promotion, and at the same time promote the supervisory role of the community so that Nha Nhac is truly a common asset of the whole society.

The journey of preserving and promoting Hue Royal Court Music is not simply to preserve a traditional music genre, but also a journey to affirm cultural identity and national spirit in the context of global integration. With the existing foundation, methodical direction and strong determination, Hue Royal Court Music will continue to spread in contemporary life as a living symbol of the soul of Vietnamese culture in general, and the ancient capital of Hue in particular.

EAST WIND

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/huong-di-ben-vung-cho-nha-nhac-153929.html