(VOVWORLD) - A Quan Ho singing class run by artisans Hoang Thi Trong and Dao Thi Thuy opens every Saturday at the communal house of Dai Thuong hamlet, Bac Ninh province, attracting many participants, especially children. The special class without a podium, a blackboard, or chalk, is filled with the beautiful sounds of Quan Ho folk singing.
 The Quan Ho singing class run by artisans Hoang Thi Trong and Dao Thi Thuy. (Photo: VOV) |
Quan Ho, a folk singing genre of the Red River Delta, was recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2009.
For 10 days, the students learn about Quan Ho folk songs, basic vocal techniques, how to infuse emotions into the songs and how to dress like Quan Ho singers.
“I love singing Quan Ho. We have run this class for many years to preserve and promote Quan Ho folk songs. During summer time when the children don’t have to go to school, the class opens 3 days a week. But during the school year, it opens every Saturday,” said artisan Dao Thi Thuy.
Artisan Hoang Thi Trong, said, “We hope that the ancient Quan Ho folk songs passed down from the predecessors will continue with the next generations. Last year, we joined a contest in Bac Ninh and won the third prize.”
The Quan Ho class students are of different ages and backgrounds. Some are members of art troupes and clubs in the province, others have learned to sing Quan Ho for the first time.
“I learn by heart many Quan Ho folk songs. My favorites are the song of the banyan tree and ‘10 things I miss about you,'” 10-year-old Nguyen Khanh Linh said.
 Local children learn to sing Quan Ho. (Photo: VOV) |
13-year-old Le Gia Linh from Hanoi has been in the Quan Ho singing class for 3 years.
“I love Quan Ho folk songs. Though I live in Hanoi, I go to Bac Ninh every weekend to learn singing Quan Ho songs. The artisans give exciting lessons. Now, I can sing many Quan Ho songs, like ‘The song of the banyan tree’ and ‘Going to the pagoda,'” said Linh.