Soong co is a signature folk singing tradition of the San Diu people, rich in artistry and emotional depth. Through generations, San Diu women have been the true “soul” of this heritage, keeping its flame alive and passing it on with devotion and pride.
According to Dr. Tran Quoc Hung, from the Center for San Diu Cultural Research, Preservation and Development, soong co is an antiphonal folk singing form closely tied to daily life and festive celebrations. Through these melodies, San Diu women, creators and transmitters of their cultural legacy, appear not only gentle and graceful but also intelligent and confident. During traditional singing sessions at village festivals or weddings, women play an active role, helping preserve the ancient verses while asserting their voices in community life.
Preserving Soong co requires constant practice and transmission. For the San Diu, women are the “heart” of the performance as they are skillful singers, quick improvisers, and guardians of the art’s traditions. Elder female artisans are considered “living treasures,” deeply understanding the meanings and rhythms behind every line.
Artisan To Thi Ta, 71, from Voong Tre hamlet in Van Don, continues to teach Soong co to younger generations, from simple verses to ancient traditional songs. Similarly, artisans Truong Thi Le and Truong Thi Thanh in Quang Hanh ward have collected, compiled, and taught Soong co to students and local youth. Many San Diu women across Quang Ninh are following in their footsteps.
Their efforts also go beyond preservation to cultural connection and promotion. Across local communities, women have founded Soong co clubs, invited artisans to teach, and organized regular singing sessions, creating “cultural rendezvous” where people gather to sing, speak their native language, and strengthen their identity.
These activities are often integrated into community tourism events, such as the Voong Tre San Diu Cultural Exhibition or the Quang Hanh Communal Temple Festival, bringing Soong co closer to both locals and visitors.
San Diu women are, therefore, both creators and guardians of this invaluable heritage. However, modernization poses challenges as fewer young people speak the San Diu language and many elder artisans pass away.
Tu Thi Sinh from Voong Tre hopes for closer cooperation between the community and local authorities through teaching Soong co in schools, organizing folk song contests, digitally archiving traditional melodies, and incorporating the art into cultural tourism.
More than just music, Soong co is a living bridge between generations, or a “silent school” nurturing compassion, morality, and community spirit. Its preservation aligns with Quang Ninh’s vision to promote ethnic cultural identity, enrich spiritual life, and ensure that heritage continues to thrive in harmony with modern life.
