More than 100 artists from 15 ca tru (ceremonial singing) clubs from across the country are attending the National Ca Tru Festival in Hanoi from October 13-16.

The festival aims to review the practices of ca tru in 15 provinces nationwide as mentioned in their 2009 profile submitted to UNESCO for recognition of ca tru as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mankind.

Participations have the chance to exchange experience in preserving and developing the art of ca tru over the year.

Ho Anh Tuan, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said ca tru is of great value to both Vietnamese and international music.

VND3.5 billion for ca tru preservation

The Vietnamese Institute of Musicology proposed a VND3.5 billion ($170,000) plan to preserve ca tru.

Under the plan, the institute will publish two CD-book collections of ca tru songs and organise classes in major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Haiphong.

Ca tru, which originated in northern Vietnam, is an ancient genre of chamber music featuring female vocalists.

It is considered one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage that needs preservation by the Vietnamese government.