Singing Then songs amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.

Amidst the vibrant urban life of Quyet Thang ward lies a unique space where the simple sounds of the Tinh lute blend harmoniously with the deep, resonant melodies of Then singing. This space is created by the Thinh Dan Then Singing and Tinh Lute Club, a special group whose members are mostly Kinh people but who share a deep love for this art form traditionally associated with the Tay and Nung ethnic groups.

Members of the Then singing and Tinh playing club of Thinh Dan (Quyet Thang ward).

The Thinh Dan Then Singing and Tinh Playing Club currently has 14 members. It's noteworthy that most of the women were born and raised in urban areas, with limited opportunities to directly experience the traditional Then culture. However, driven by passion and love for the art, they voluntarily formed the club, singing and practicing together not for professional performance or livelihood, but simply to live their passion, to meet, socialize, and share the joys and sorrows of everyday life.

The initiators and keepers of the club's flame alive are Ms. Pham Thi Toan, Ms. Hoang Thi Thuy, and Ms. Le Thuy, all of Kinh ethnicity, currently residing in Group 10, Quyet Thang Ward. For them, the Then music and the Tinh lute hold a very special appeal.

Ms. Pham Thi Toan shared: "From the first time we heard Then singing at a cultural program, we were captivated by its slow, profound, and rustic melody. From then on, we came up with the idea of ​​gathering people with similar interests to learn Then singing and Tinh playing together."

In its early days, the club had only 5-6 members. Training conditions were difficult; the members lacked performance costumes and musical instruments, and their singing and playing skills were mostly self-taught. However, through perseverance and a spirit of unity, the club maintained regular activities. The sounds of music and songs echoed after work hours, becoming a simple yet meaningful source of joy.

Gradually, through performances at cultural events in the ward and residential area, the Then singing and Tinh playing left a positive impression on the audience. Many women, even those who had never sung Then before, developed a love for this art form after listening to and watching the club's performances and asked to join. From then on, the club grew larger and more vibrant, and now has 14 members, forming a close-knit and united group.

The club has been invited to perform in many places both within and outside the province.

Not content with just impromptu performances, the club is increasingly focusing on meticulousness and professionalism in each act. The members voluntarily contribute their own money to have traditional costumes made, buy zithers, and performance accessories. In the more than three years since its establishment, each member has spent an average of about 10 million VND on the club's activities.

The club's dedication to training and performance has earned it numerous invitations to participate in cultural and artistic programs both within and outside the province. Each trip is not only an opportunity to perform, but also a chance for members to learn, interact, and gain a deeper understanding of Then culture in different regions.

A significant contribution to the artistic quality of the club comes from the participation of Ms. Hoang Thi Khiem, a Mong ethnic minority member and the club's chairperson. Ms. Khiem's ​​understanding of both ancient and modern Then songs enables the club to practice, restore, and perform many valuable traditional melodies, contributing to the professionalism and cultural depth of each performance.

Melodies that were once only familiar to the mountains and forests are now present in the city streets, bringing listeners a fresh and delightful feeling. The club's development not only demonstrates the members' love for art but also shows the enduring vitality of Then singing and Tinh playing in contemporary life.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202601/say-hat-then-giua-nhip-song-do-thi-ad32014/