15 clubs to take part Xam singing festival 2019

The festival is coorganised by Ninh Binh's Provincial Department of Culture and Sports and Center for study and conservation of national music.

According to Mr Nguyen Manh Cuong, Director of Ninh Binh's Provincial Department of Culture and Sports: The festival is designedto preserve and promote the art of singing and introduce the country'straditional heritage to international visitors..

"We host the festival because Ninh Bình is considered the cradle of the xẩm singing, the hometown of Meritorious Artist Ha Thi Cau (1917-2013), the so-called 'last humane treasure ofxẩm'andthe most famous artisan of this genre," he said.

"Xam singing clubs and training classes have been opened for people who are interested in the art, including children and elders."

After the festival, cultural departments inNinh Binh and other northern provinces will send an application to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for recognition of Xam as a national intangible heritage. It's the first step to nominate Xam as an UNESCO heritage.

Each club will present three pieces, each 15 minutes long. The pieces include both traditional tunes and songs with new lyrics.

Translated by Nguyen Thuy