The sounds of the đàn tính (a traditional Vietnamese stringed instrument) and then singing echo in Cư Prông.

Every Saturday evening, at the home of Mrs. Phan Thi Duyen in Hamlet 10, Cu Prong Commune (Ea Kar District), the melodious and smooth sounds of the zither resonate, blending with the sweet and profound melodies of the then folk songs.

These melodies, performed by members of the "Then Singing - Dan Tinh Playing" model in Hamlet 10, are their way of preserving the identity of the Tay ethnic group in the Ea Kar region.

Dressed in traditional attire and holding a zither, Mr. Hoang Van Khao (born in 1966, Tay ethnic group, member of the model) shared that he was born and raised in Cao Bang province. In 1989, he brought his wife and children to Hamlet 10, Cu Prong commune to start a new life. In his free time, he hums the melodious then songs to ease his homesickness. "Then songs and the zither have a strong vitality, closely linked to the spiritual life of our Tay community," Mr. Khao expressed.

Members of the "Then Singing - Dan Tinh Playing" model in Hamlet 10, Cu Prong Commune (Ea Kar District) during a performance.

After saying that, Mr. Khảo, in high spirits, played his guitar and sang: “…The road back to our homeland is long and arduous/ Crossing ten mountains and nine rivers, my dear/ There are peach blossoms in full bloom, and plums ripening/ Glistening with honey, their fragrance intoxicating/ The whole village lives amidst the clouds…”.

For Mr. Khảo, then singing and tính playing are an integral part of his soul and emotions, carrying the aspirations for a prosperous and happy life of his people, passed down from generation to generation.

According to Ms. Thuc Thi Lieu, Deputy Head of the "Then Singing - Dan Tinh Playing" Model in Hamlet 10, the people in the hamlet are mainly Tay ethnic people who migrated from the northern provinces. Living in their second homeland, the melodies of Then singing and Dan Tinh playing still resonate from their homes at dusk, dispelling the weariness and hardship after a long day of working in the fields.

To provide a place for those who love Then singing and Tinh playing in the village to socialize and have fun, contributing to enriching the cultural identity of the ethnic groups in Ea Kar district, in October 2020, the Women's Union of Cu Prong commune established the "Then Singing - Tinh Playing" model with 13 members of the Tay ethnic group (11 women, 2 men), the oldest member being 71 years old and the youngest 51 years old. Despite economic difficulties, the model lacks instructors, and operating funds are limited, but the members always make time to participate fully. They watch online videos teaching Then singing and Tinh playing, then practice together. Those who know more teach those who know less, and those who know nothing at all gradually become proficient in Then singing and Tinh playing. The project's steering committee also based its new lyrics on the ancient then melody, with content praising love for nature, romantic love, marital affection, and the scenery of the homeland…

Members of the group practice traditional Then dances.

Ms. Ly Thi Lan, Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Cu Prong commune, said that the Union is very interested in models and clubs that preserve the cultural identity of ethnic groups living in the commune. The "Then Singing - Dan Tinh Playing" model in Hamlet 10, after a short time since its establishment, has participated in performances at local cultural events. Currently, two more Then singing and Dan Tinh playing models have been established in Hamlet 3 and Hamlet 15.

To ensure the effective operation of these models, their continued replication, and the maintenance of community activities, the Women's Union of Ea Kar commune will actively cooperate with artisans and experienced individuals to open classes teaching Then singing and Dan Tinh playing for female members, especially the younger generation. At the same time, they will create conditions to support members in participating in local cultural and artistic activities and movements, thereby contributing to enriching the cultural identity of the ethnic groups in Ea Kar district.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/van-hoa-du-lich-van-hoc-nghe-thuat/202504/vang-tiengdan-tinh-hat-theno-cu-prong-3ac19d5/