VietNamNet Bridge - The National Institute of Music and the Vietnam National Music Academy are working together to nominate ca tru as a form of Cultural Intangible Heritage with UNESCO. They say the art form is in need of urgent preservation.

Recently, it was rumoured that the ca tru nomination wouldn’t be completed in time for submission. As one of the researchers compiling the document, what can you say?

The draft document was finished last month. The Music Institute sent the document to leading specialists for their opinion. We will now edit and complete it and send it to Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism by next February. It’s expected that the document will be submitted to UNESCO and I can assure you it will meet the deadline.

Ca tru was first nominated as a part of World Intangible Oral Heritage, but the name was modified to Cultural Intangible Heritage. Why?

The two titles are not really different. UNESCO’s requirement is that heritage nominated must be unique and highly popular. Its heritage must be outlined and how it came to attract a strong community following. The title was changed in line with UNESCO’s criteria - and the photo and film content reduced.

So, it’s not necessary to compile a new document?

The document on Vietnamese people’s ca tru compiled by the National Institute of Music since 2005 just has to be re- edited according to UNESCO’s new criterion.

However, new sections are required. That’s why we are carrying out an inventory of the heritage of ca tru throughout the country. Heritage recognised by UNESCO must be updated annually. This is the first time we have undertaken such a nationwide inventory. The institute has co-operated with local governments where ca tru still exists.

Ca tru has been gradually revived in recent years, so why do we need UNESCO’s recognition that it is an art form in need of urgent protection?

I agree that ca tru has been recognised and restored by the people, but we can’t be sure that it won’t fade away once again. There are three indications that there is need for alarm. First, the art is quite strange to many members of the modern public. Second, performing spaces for ca tru, such as communal houses and royal palaces are uncommon. We have just revived one part of ca tru, ca tru hat choi (ca tru performed for entertainment). According to the latest estimate, only about 10 ca tru veterans are still living. They are the living treasure of the culture. If we don’t take urgent steps, they may pass by leaving no one to teach the art.

So, what can be done now?

People’s thinking should change, because ca tru is a professional art that requires long training. It can even be considered scholastic. Ca tru has a long history dating back 1,000 years to the Ly dynasty.

Female vocalists, instrumentalists and musicians were once trained methodically in singing, dancing and verse writing. Giao phuong (music training school) was organised professionally.

(Source: VNS)