UNESCO finances VN to conserve royal music

The project has helped train ten officials engaging in research and archives activities, enroll 20 nhã nhạc performers and transfer them traditional skills.

Another focus of the project is to research, collect, preserve and restore typical nhã nhạc works such as ritual songs used in the Heaven Worshipping Ceremony; arrange some pieces of nhã nhạc; and set a record of prominent nhã nhạc artisans who are considered as “live human treasures”.

Through the project, UNESCO wants to encourage many countries to join in protecting and developing cultural masterpieces, building up a solid foundation for research, collection and transfer of musical skills to young generations as well as enhance preservation work.

Nhã nhạc is a form of Vietnamese royal music popular under the Nguyễn Dynasty (19th century). It was performed at annual great ceremonies, including enthronements, royal anniversaries, festivals and special events. It was recognized in 2003 by UNESCO as an orally-transmitted immaterial masterpiece of the humankind.