The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta city of Can Tho will organise a Tai Tu competition from April 6-14 as part of cultural activities planned to promote tourism.
The Tai Tu Competition 2022 will be held in Can Tho City from April 6-14 as part of cultural activities to promote tourism. (Photo courtesy of the organiser)
The contest also aims to propagate the traditional chamber music genre that originated in southern Viet Nam around 100 years ago.
The contest is open to both professional and amateur artists from tai tu clubs, art troupes and theatres in the region. Students who love to sing tai tu are also encouraged to participate.
The participants will perform tai tu and vong co (nostalgic tunes) music, the latter another traditional art form used in cai luong (reformed opera).
Participants are required to use Vietnamese traditional like the kim (two-stringed guitar), co (vertical violin with two strings), tranh (16-chord zither) and bau (monochord zither), should be used.
Golden medals will be presented for the best solo and group performances.
Special prizes will be given to the youngest and oldest performers.
Tai tu, a traditional music form, was recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2013. (Photo courtesy of the organiser)
Tai tu has been described as a prototype for vong co and cai luong, often performed at festivals and on special occasions like weddings and death anniversaries in the Mekong Delta provinces of Can Tho, Vinh Long, Bac Lieu and Ca Mau.
It was recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2013.
In February, Can Tho had launched a cultural programme performing tai tu shows targeting tourists.
The programme will feature more than 20 actors from Tay Do Theatre – the city’s State-owned and leading traditional art troupe and dozens of amateur performers from tai tu music clubs.
Shows start at 8am at the floating market Cai Rang, a favourite tourist site every Saturday and Sunday.
Visitors can meet with artists, learn how to play and sing after every show.
“We hope to bring tai tu music closer to visitors who love to discover local culture and lifestyles during their trip,” said Hong Thuy, a Tay Do troupe member.