VietNamNet Bridge – Hanoi’s Old Quarter will host a celebration of the cultural charm of Hue Imperial City from today to December 2.

UNESCO-recognised nhã nhạc (Hue royal court music) will be performed during the event in the Hanoi Old Quarter. — Photo toquoc.vn

The celebration is part of the activities organised by the Management Board of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to celebrate Viet Nam Cultural Heritage Day (November 23), according to Tran Thuy Lan, head of the organising board.

“Thang Long (the former name of Hanoi) and Phu Xuan (the former name of Hue) are two old capitals of the country with unique culture and arts recognised by UNESCO,” Lan said.

The programme Hương Sắc Cố Đô (Perfume and Beauty of Old Capitals) helps introduce the traditional culture preserved in Hue to the world.

The event aims to strengthen co-operation and exchange between Hanoi and other Vietnamese cities on preserving national and UNESCO-recognised cultural heritages. 

In addition, it aims to protect the value of heritage and promote Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

The event draws the participation of cultural researcher Dam Quang Minh, musician Vu Nhat Tan, painter Ly Truc Son and designer Trinh Bich Thuy.

Accordingly, a show featuring áo dài (Vietnamese traditional long robes) will start the celebration at the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Centre (50 Dao Duy Tu Street).

Designer Thuy will present the collection Thọ (Longevity) using the calligraphy of the old scripts imprinted and embroidered on the fabric.

“The calligraphy of the letter Thọ is one among the patterns that were embroidered on imperial long robes in the past,” she said. “Through the collection, I want to reflect the sophisticated technique and aesthetics of the Vietnamese people. I also want to bring longevity and good fortune for the wearers.”

Members of the A Designers House including Nguyen Van Anh, Do Huong Ly and Nguyen Hong Ngoc, will present the collection Khúc Hoài Niệm (Nostalgia). The long robes are made of traditional silk using special techniques such as hand-embroidery, sequins and painting on the fabric.

The designs feature familiar images of Hue such as the Hương (Perfume) River, the Royal Citadel and royal symbols such as clouds, phoenixes and dragons.

A musical event will take place on the following day, featuring beautiful melodies of old tunes such as xẩm (the blind’s music), ca trù (ceremonial singing) and nhã nhạc (Hue royal court music), which was honoured with a place on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Northern music will be performed by Đông Kinh Cổ Nhạc group of People’s Artist Xuan Hoach and People’s Artist Thanh Hoai. Hue music will be performed by Phu Xuan troupe including artist Thanh Tam and instrumentalist Tran Thao.

On the same day, a seminar on the worship of ancestors of the trades will be held at Kim Ngan Temple, 42-44 Hang Bac Street. An exhibition will display photos taken by Le Bich depicting life and handicrafts in traditional trade villages and streets in the capital.

A collection of Hue traditional costumes of cultural researcher Thai Kim Lan and a collection of instruments of Hue royal court music will also be shown to the public.

The tea culture of the Vietnamese people will be on display on November 23-25 at the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Centre. 

Source: VNS