(VOVWORLD) - Minh Thanh, a club for Then singing and playing the stringed musical instrument called the Tinh, was set up in Vu Minh commune, Cao Bang province, in 2009. Under the leadership of Meritorious Artist Dinh Van Thuc, the club has helped to preserve and promote the Then and Tinh music of the Tay and Nung ethnic minorities.
 Members of the Minh Thanh club often take part in performances inside and outside Cao Bang province. |
Then, Sli and Luon folk melodies have long been an integral part of life in Vu Minh commune, Nguyen Binh district, where more than 60% of the population are Tay or Nung.
Meritorious Artist Dinh Van Thuc established the Minh Thanh club to encourage local people to preserve their traditional culture.
Thuc recalled, “At first we sang Then songs just for fun. But praise and encouragement from the public motivated me to set up a club and encourage students of all ages to sign up for free Then and Tinh classes. I hope the club will keep growing.”
Dinh Van Thuc is the youngest of the Meritorious Artists in Cao Bang province. Starting with just 6 members in 2009, the Minh Thanh club now has hundreds of members, many of them children and teenagers.
Performances by Thuc and his students at festivals inside and outside the province have introduced Then and Tính music to many new fans.
Mac Thi Phien, who lives in Na Khoang hamlet, told VOV, “I’m very glad the Minh Thanh club was started. Otherwise Then singing might disappear someday. I hope the club will organize many more inspiring performances.”
The Minh Thanh club has renewed interest in traditional folk singing among people of all ages. Its members have participated in festivals from grassroots to national level and educational programs throughout Nguyen Binh district.
The Tinh music class run by Meritorious Artist Dinh Van Thuc attracts many local children.
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Thuc has taught Then singing and Tinh playing to more than 360 students, some as young as 6 years old.
Nguyen Hong Van, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, “Dinh Van Thuc is full of passion. Establishing the club realized one mission of the action plan for Then, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. More clubs like this should be set up. The Minh Thanh club should be a role model for expansion throughout the province.”