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This July, fans of Vietnamese Ca Tru (traditional singing) can enjoy this traditional art form at the Heritage House every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evening from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. for 210,000 VND. Titled “Ca Tru – Preserving for Future Generations,” the performances are by artists from the Thang Long Ca Tru Guild, including Ms. Nguyen Thi Chuc (folk artist - female singer); Mr. Nguyen Phu De (folk artist - female instrumentalist); and Ms. Pham Thi Hue (female singer & female instrumentalist). The Thang Long Ca Tru Guild is currently a pioneering group in the revival of this traditional art form.
Ca trù is a traditional art form, originally reserved for the aristocracy, and was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity a few years ago. Ms. Pham Thi Hue, Head of the Thang Long Ca Tru Guild, said that the audience for the performances is mainly tourists. Although the performance space at house number 87 Ma May is quite small, some performances attract 30-40 spectators. At the same time, tourism companies in the area have quickly included ca trù in their Old Quarter tours. As a result, the number of visitors to the performances has gradually increased.
A Ca Tru performance typically lasts about an hour. Besides enjoying the art form, the audience is introduced to Ca Tru musical instruments, Ca Tru poetry, and cultural activities in both English and Vietnamese. They also have the opportunity to interact with the female singers and male instrumentalists. Many international guests, after listening to the performance, expressed admiration for this cultural aspect, for the breathing techniques, vocal delivery, rhythm, and the skillful playing of the Dan Day instrument by the artists.
The voices of the female singers, the sounds of the castanets and the deep, resonant tones of the zither in this ancient setting will surely make this place an interesting destination not only for tourists but also for young people passionate about traditional culture and art.
