Gov’t pushes to preserves Bắc Ninh folk songs

The Deputy PM has asked the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) to work out the project in line with Việt Nam’s commitments to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and encourage local involvement in preservation activities.

The People’s Committee of Bắc Ninh is in charge of working with the MCST and the People’s Committee of Bắc Giang to submit the project before July 15, 2011.

Quan Họ Bắc Ninh, love duet singing, was recognized by the UNESCO as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The recognition brought in not only national pride but also a great task to the country in preserving the heritage and promoting its value.

Quan Họ Bắc Ninh consists of over 400 song lyrics, which can be sung in 213 different melody variations. The songs are performed as alternating verses between two women from one village and two men from another village who respond with similar melodies, but with different lyrics.

Quan họ singing is common at rituals, festivals, and singing contests./.

By Khánh Phương