Vietnamese folk music intrigues foreign audience at HCMC show

A Vietnamese folk music show has left a strong impression in the minds of a foreign audience with itspoetry reading and music of ethnic minorities.

Titled “The Touch of Masters’ Hands,” the event brought beautiful moments to the audience of around 30 foreigners, as they had a chance to listen to traditional Vietnamese songs and enjoy various dancing performances that represent different regions in Vietnam.

Most of the expats were excitedly waiting for the show to begin, as it was their first time watching a live traditional Vietnamese music concert.

“I hope to hear some beautiful music and learn a little more about the tradition as well as history of Vietnam. I think it’s very important for a country to keep their traditional music alive,” Joann Marshall, an American who lives in Ho Chi Minh City where the concert was staged, told Tuoitrenews.

“I knew probably nothing about traditional Vietnamese music, so that’s the reason why I’m here to have the opportunity to experience it,” Robbie Marwick, who comes from Scotland, said.

The show, held on April 12 in District 1, included folk songs, traditional and ethnic music, poetry reading, instrumental music, and especially “chau van” (northern Vietnamese spiritual singing).

The audience were amazed at the Vietnamese “Nha nhac cung dinh Hue” (Hue court music) piece “Luu Thuy – Kim Tien – Xuan Phong – Long Ho” and the solo flute performance “Ly Hoai Nam” performed by Vietnamese artist Thien Lam.

They were also surprised by how the artists made the sounds by combining various types of traditional musical instruments.

Another type of Vietnamese folk music played during the night was “ho,” a slow-rhythm genre which is often sung by countryside farmers to create a relaxed and joyful atmosphere for their work.

The song “Song ca ho hui,” sung by singer Bao Minh and Hong Phuong, also stirred the audience thanks to the performers’ vibrant voices.

Concert singers also presented “chau van,” also known as “hat van” or “hat bong,” which has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, to the foreigners at the show.

“Co doi thuong ngan” (The Lady From Heaven), a song performed by Thanh Nhan along with Thanh Phong, Van Luc and Thanh Phuong, wowed event attendees with a combination of mysterious lights and dancing.

The music and poetry of “chau van,” which employs “dan nguyet” (moon-shaped lute) as the main musical instrument, included a variety of instruments, rhythms, pauses, and tempos.

Music from the south of Vietnam was also introduced at the show, including the solo dance “Ly dat giong” (a folk song), presented by dancer Nguyet Quynh, and the solo vocal “Ly cai mon” (another folk song), performed by singer Hong Phuong.

While enjoying the music, the audience also had a chance to try such specialties of each Vietnamese region served by the organizers as the Thai Nguyen tea, jasmine tea, green bean cakes, “Pia” cakes, coconut candy, and sesame candy.

Coconut candy, jasmine tea, and “Pia” – a type of cake made of wheat powder, green beans, and durian flesh – are among well-known delicacies in the Mekong Delta region while sesame candy, made with toasted sesame seeds, honey, and sweet spices, is often served in central Vietnam.

The green bean cake and the Thai Nguyen tea are usually seen and eaten in northern Vietnam.

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