Young female singers preserve the soul of Ca Tru.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, ca trù (traditional Vietnamese singing) is still being preserved through the enduring love of artisans and even young children.

Nguyen Minh Nguyet (on the right) has seen her singing technique improve significantly through training sessions with Meritorious Artist Nguyen Thi Thu Hang.

Nurturing a love for Ca Tru (traditional Vietnamese folk singing).

During a meeting of the An Bien Ca Tru Club, the rhythmic clappers harmonize with the melodious sounds of the zither. Among the older artists, many young children attentively practice each line of the song, each breath control. For many, Ca Tru is a difficult art form to access due to its elaborate singing style, strict techniques, and archaic lyrics. However, for Ta Minh Duong, a 7th-grade student from Ngo Quyen Secondary School, and Nguyen Minh Nguyet, a 5th-grade student from Nguyen Van To Primary School, it is a fascinating world of music .

Ta Minh Duong has been involved with ca trù (a traditional Vietnamese folk singing style) for the past four years, so she knows many melodies and is quite confident whenever she stands on stage. Duong recounts that her love for ca trù came very naturally when she heard a friend her age sing. “At first, I just found it interesting and enjoyed listening. Then, after learning about the meaning of the lyrics, I found ca trù even more beautiful and wanted to learn it. Initially, it was difficult because you have to memorize the lyrics, keep the rhythm, and breathe correctly. Some days I practiced for a long time and still couldn't sing a short đoạn,” Duong shared.

Learning Ca Tru singing involves more than just memorizing lyrics; it also requires practicing pronunciation, intonation, and maintaining the correct rhythm. For middle school students juggling academics with traditional art, this journey demands immense perseverance. Each week, Duong dedicates two to three sessions to practice at the club. Before each exchange or performance, the practice time is extended.

Having fallen in love with ca trù (a traditional Vietnamese musical genre) through the songs of her beloved grandmother, Nguyen Minh Nguyet studied this art form for two years. This fifth-grade student, with her soft voice, sings with a clear, heartfelt tone.

Nguyệt said that she enjoys most the times she accompanies the club members to performances or exchanges with other groups. "I feel very happy to wear the traditional Vietnamese dress and sing in front of everyone. When I finish singing and receive praise from the adults, I want to study even harder," Nguyệt said.

The most memorable experience for the two young "ca trù singers" was the nights of "singing at the temple gate" on the 15th day of each lunar month at An Bien Temple. In the sacred space of the ancient temple, the sound of ca trù singing resonated, transporting listeners back to the traditional culture of the past. Duong confided: "Every time I get to sing at An Bien Temple, I feel very proud. I feel like I'm contributing a small part to preserving the traditional art of my homeland."

These performances also help the children mature in their performance skills, learn how to maintain their composure and emotions, and better understand the value of Ca Tru – an art form recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in need of urgent protection.

Preserving heritage from a young age.

The An Bien Ca Tru Club of Nguyen Van To Primary School (An Bien ward) contributes to preserving the art of Ca Tru singing.

Singing ca trù (a traditional Vietnamese folk singing style) is difficult enough, but for a young child to pursue it long-term is even more challenging. Therefore, the emergence of young "ca trù singers" like Minh Dương and Minh Nguyệt gives the artists more confidence in the vitality of this traditional art form.

Meritorious Artist Nguyen Thi Thu Hang, who directly guides the children at the An Bien Ca Tru Club, said that Ca Tru is an art form that requires very high vocal technique, even for adults. “The children are young but have a very valuable passion. Minh Duong has a bright voice, learns quickly, and has a good sense of rhythm. Minh Nguyet, although new to the subject, is diligent and hardworking. It's encouraging that they don't learn under duress but genuinely love it,” commented artist Nguyen Thi Thu Hang.

According to Meritorious Artisan Nguyen Thi Thu Hang, to retain young people in traditional art, it is necessary to create a close, fun learning environment and provide more performance venues. The traditional art exchanges and festivals for teenagers and children in recent times have helped them gain more confidence and motivation to pursue their passion.

Besides the efforts of the artisans, the support of families and schools also plays a crucial role in nurturing a love for traditional art among students.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Tham, the school principal, believes that students' participation in traditional art forms not only helps develop their talents but also contributes to cultural and historical education and national pride. “The children participating in learning Ca Tru (traditional Vietnamese singing) are helping to spread love for traditional art in schools. Through performances and exchanges, they better understand the value of national cultural heritage and become active contributors to preserving cultural identity,” Ms. Nguyen Thi Tham shared.

At the An Bien Ca Tru Club, each practice session regularly resounds with the sounds of clappers, stringed instruments, and the voices of young singers. Young "ca tru" singers like Minh Duong and Minh Nguyet are quietly kindling hope for the continuation of this traditional art form in contemporary life.

CONFIDANT

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/nhung-ca-nuong-nhi-giu-hon-ca-tru-544222.html