LONG AN — The 23rd festival of đờn ca tài tử, the musical art recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, took place in the southern province of Long An on February 12-13.

The festival paid tribute to music teacher Nguyễn Quang Đại, credited with promoting and preserving the traditional musical art of the southern region during the Nguyễn dynasty (1802-1945).

It also offers an opportunity for masters of đờn ca tài tử to meet and exchange experiences to promote the art, contributing to the preservation of this intangible cultural heritage.

Held annually in Long An, the festival has become a typical cultural feature of the region and attracts many visitors.

This year, the đờn ca tài tử festival in Long An drew the participation of 10 musical groups from HCM City and the provinces close by, including Tiền Giang, Vĩnh Long, Bến Tre and Đồng Nai. They entertained the audience with their performances of songs praising national heroes, patriotism and national achievements.

As part of the festival, the organisers also held a photo exhibition featuring the life and career of the masters of đờn ca tài tử so that visitors could learn more about this musical art of southern Việt Nam.

UNESCO recognised the art as an intangible cultural heritage in 2013. The art is performed at numerous events, such as festivals, death anniversary rituals, and celebratory social events. The audience can join in by practising, making comments or creating new words for songs. — VNS