HÀ NỘI — The Thừa Thiên Huế Culture, and Sports Department is compiling a scientific dossier for Huế folk singing to seek UNESCO’s recognition as an intangible heritage.

Artists perform Huế folk singing on a tourist boat on Hương River in Huế City. — Photo webdulichmientrung.com

Phan Thanh Giản, director of the department confirmed the news and said the authorities have hosted a training session for over 350 local artists in performing the art between November 11 and 30.

After the session, the department will examine the practice of singing Huế folk songs on tourism boats in the city to turn the art into a local tourism product, he said.

In 2015, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism listed Huế folk singing as a national intangible cultural heritage.

The art includes singing, instruments of traditional melodies ranging from royal performance to daily life.

There are 60 folk melodies for singing and instruments in northern and southern styles.

Huế folk songs have strict structures, which have developed into professional classic styles in lyrics, melodies and performances.

Various traditional instruments accompany the singer including the 16-string zither, two-string zither, monochord, flute and drum.

Delicate skills in singing and playing instruments in the art of Huế folk singing bear significant local features with the accent of Huế people. The art has been considered a bridge between royal and folk music genres. — VNS