Xam singing is expected to be recognized as a national intangible heritage and inscribed on UNESCO’S Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. For the first time, an advanced training course in the art of Xam (a music genre performed by blind artists) has been held in Hanoi from August 18 to 21. Three little Xam singers of Ha Thi Cau Club from Ninh Binh Province perform at the class. Photos: Tra My The course brings together leading artists and music researchers associated with folk music and Xam singing such as People's Artist Xuan Hoach, People's Artist Thanh Ngoan, and People's Artist Thuy Ngan, artist Mai Tuyet Hoa, and researcher-musician Nguyen Quang Long, among others. Trainees are 40 artists of different ages from 20 Xam clubs and troupes from provinces and cities across the country. This special program is organized by the Thien Tam Foundation in collaboration with the Centre for Conservation and Promotion of Traditional … [Read more...] about Training course opens to preserve traditional Xam singing
Viral 90s songs
Vietnamese female pop star wows American online music publication
"The latest album from the Vietnamese pop artist is an empowering statement of purpose, at its best when pairing evocative storytelling with theatrical, large-scale production." Pitchfork compliments the 34-year-old artist for writing songs "replete with messages about finding joy in every moment" and hails her "slick" ability to maneuver between rapping and singing. The album review pointed out that her music has become more distinctive while encompassing inspiration from a wide range of cultures. It incorporates grandiose instrumentation; racing synth melodies and trap drums; rattling percussion and pogoing electronics; breezy disco-funk and filler words "la la la" that appear throughout traditional folk songs. "Her playful navigation of Vietnam past and present, something central to her art, exists even here." "Link" received a score of 7.2, no little achievement compared to Pitchfork’s high standards. This is the third Vietnamese album ever reviewed by Pitchfork , … [Read more...] about Vietnamese female pop star wows American online music publication
Partnerships key to green transition
While 2020 was one of the warmest years on record globally, Vietnam has just gone through another historical year of climate extremes. Last November was also decisive for the future of the planet as countries officially submitted their climate pledges at the COP26 climate summit. Dao Xuan Lai, head of Climate Change and the Environment at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam We see a skyrocketing demand for natural resources while witnessing the collapse of functioning ecosystems. You only need to drive a couple of hours outside of Hanoi towards Ninh Binh province with its iconic limestone clasts, synonymous with the beauty of northern Vietnam, to see these emblematic features being devoured by machinery to be used for stone mining and cement production. By 2050, global demand for materials such as plastics, steel, or cement is projected to increase by a factor of 2-4. More than 50 per cent of the world’s emissions can be traced back to our … [Read more...] about Partnerships key to green transition
Ha Noi and Hoa Binh connect trade and consumption of agricultural products
The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with the Ha Noi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development held a conference on ensuring food safety. — VNS Photo Many key products of the northern mountainous province of Hoa Binh have entered the system of supermarkets and large commercial centres in Ha Noi, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Vuong Dac Hung told a recent conference. The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with the Ha Noi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development held a conference on ensuring food safety between the city and province in the northern mountainous province. The conference highlighted the results of the implementation of the programme which coordinates trade, promotes agricultural product consumption and State management in the agricultural sector between the capital city and Hoa Binh Province in the 2016-20 period and the … [Read more...] about Ha Noi and Hoa Binh connect trade and consumption of agricultural products