15 years ago, Bac Ninh province’s Quan ho folk songs earned a place on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Since then, Bac Ninh has been working hard to keep this tradition thriving. One standout initiative is teaching these folk songs in schools, making sure the next generation continues to cherish and preserve this cultural gem.
Quan ho is a form of folk singing characterised by a duet format.
A Quan Ho singing class is held regularly at Lim Primary School in Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province. The excitement grew when the students were taught how to sing Quan ho (love duet) songs by local female singers, known as "lien chi," dressed in the traditional four-part attire.
"The teachers taught me how to sing and perform, and they helped shape my voice," said a 2nd grader.
"Before the lessons, I only knew a few songs and couldn’t remember all the lyrics. Learning Quan Ho at school helps me pick up more songs," said another.
Many students also join Quan Ho clubs at school, where they learn the lyrics, traditional costumes, and the polite manners of the singers. Through this, Quan Ho singers in Lim Town are fueling the love for this folk music among the local youth.
"We want to help kids develop their Quan Ho talents and pass on our folk songs to the next generation. It’s a place where they not only learn to sing but also build communication and life skills," a singer said.
Another singer reflected on the legacy being carried forward: "The younger generations today are carrying on what we started. They’ll keep preserving and protecting this world heritage. About 10 years ago, I began teaching Quan Ho folk songs to my kids."
Learning to sing Quan Ho helps students appreciate the beauty of Quan Ho culture and the people of the Kinh Bac (Northern) region. Through these melodic, lyrical songs, students learn about aesthetics, cultural traditions, and personal growth, while developing pride and love for their homeland, said Nguyen Thi Hong Hanh, Principal of Lim Primary School.
"We always make sure to keep the school's Quan Ho Club going, and work closely with the club leaders and local Quan Ho artists to help teach the kids. Lim is the heart of Quan Ho, so every village has its own club, and the artists who teach at the schools are really passionate about it."
Since 2011, Bac Ninh has included Quan Ho folk songs in school curriculums, from kindergarten all the way to high school. Now, there are 610 Quan Ho clubs across the province, with each school having at least one club that stays active. The curriculums are tailored to fit each grade and age group. Nguyen Thi Ngoc, Deputy Director of the Bac Ninh provincial Department of Education and Training, said that the education sector will continue to promote the teaching of Quan Ho in schools.
“First, we’ll implement the Bac Ninh folk song curriculum in schools. Second, we’ll establish more clubs and ensure they stay active. Third, we’ll organize annual singing competitions for high school students. Fourth, we’ll improve facilities and teaching tools for folk song lessons. And fifth, we’ll continue to train and support teachers to preserve and share Bac Ninh folk songs.”