VietNamNet Bridge – Pop and dance tunes dominate HCM City’s entertainment scene but traditional music is finally getting its due with a cai luong (reformed opera) show this week.

Contestants Vo Thanh Phe (L), Vo Thi Tri and Le Quoc Phong (R). (Photo: cailuongvietnam.com)

Many of the excerpts are recognised canons of cai luong theatre.

HCM City Television Station (HTV) and its partners played a role in encouraging youth to learn more about the country’s history and traditional arts.

To be staged at Dam Sen Park’s Water Music Centre, the show expects an audience of more than 1,300 people, including teenagers who often prefer more modern music.

Residents in remote areas will also have access to the show, which will be broadcast live on HTV channels.

“By performing and listening to cai luong, a traditional form of music in south Viet Nam, young generations can improve their love and knowledge about the country and its history,” said Vo Thanh Phe, winner of last week’s HTV’s traditional music contest Vong Co Golden Bell.

The 29-year-old said he found inspiration by singing old tunes of cai luong, discovering that “performing is learning”.

Phe anh his colleagues will perform in cai luong plays such as Rang Ro Viet Nam (Brilliant Viet Nam), Dem Hoi Long Tri (Thang Long Festival Night) and Nu Tuong Co Dao (A Female Commander), which will feature Viet Nam’s historical events and national heroes.

Many of the musicians are students and migrant workers who love the country’s history and traditional art.

The show’s organisers were intent on offering a professional show and invited veteran cai luong stars Le Thuy, Minh Vuong, Thanh Ngan and Thoai My to perform with the younger generation on stage.

Vietnamese Legendary History starts at 8pm tonight at 3 Hoa Binh Street, District 11, HCM City. Performances are free.

(Source: Viet Nam News)