Webinar highlights preservation of Xam singing in contemporary society

An international webinar was held in the northern province of Ninh Binh, on December 7, to discuss the preservation and promotion of Xam singing in contemporary society.

The event, co-organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ninh Binh province and Temple University from the US, featured the participation of many researchers in the fields of culture, society, traditional art and music, including scientists and artisans from Xam singing clubs, leaders of Ninh Binh province, and representatives from several institutes and universities.

The participants delivered 40 reports and presentations, focusing on assessing and clarifying the values and the process of formation and development for Xam singing, as well as the measures to preserve and promote the artistic values of this traditional art form.

Vice Chairman of Ninh Binh provincial People’s Committee Tong Quang Thin said the locality keeps about 20 Xam singing tunes, including eight main ones expressing the emotions and nuances in the social life.

The provincial authorities have developed a project on “restoring, preserving and developing Xam singing during 2019-2022 period”, towards making Xam into an indispensable part of the spiritual and cultural life of local people and the community.

The international webinar offered an opportunity to consult experts and scientists in Vietnam and from abroad, towards seeking scientific measures to preserve, develop and promote this art form in the contemporary life.

Further attention, from the authorities, cultural and art organisations, cultural funds and sponsors as well as responsibility from artisans and traditional art lovers, is needed to develop and spread Xam singing more widely in the cultural life of the country.