VietNamNet Bridge – Xoan singing, a folk cultural product of people in the northern province of Phu Tho, no longer needs to be regarded as an intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding after four years of preserving and promoting cultural values of the style of folk singing since the UNESCO’s recognition in 2011, said Vice Chairman of Phu Tho provincial People’s Committee Ha Ke San.

The press conference announced the results of preserving Xoan singing after four years of recognition.

San made the statement during a press conference to announce the results of preserving and promoting values of the Xoan singing on November 22, saying that the province has worked with relevant agencies to send a report to the UNESCO for the removal of Xoan singing from the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

After the UNESCO’s recognition in 2011, Phu Tho Province devised specific plans to preserve the heritage, studying the heritage with the community’s participation, promoting four Xoan singing groups, organising training courses on the heritage and having the folk culture taught at schools.

The number of members in the four ancient Xoan singing groups has increased notably while the number of artisans who are capable of teaching the singing style has been increased to 62 from 31 in 2009. From 13 clubs with 298 members in 2010, there are now 30 clubs with 1,100 members.

Together with repairing related relic sites, the province has recognised and supported artisans and recovered the ancient singing activities.

According to Dr. Le Thi Minh Ly, Director of the Centre for Cultural Heritage Research and Promotion under the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association, Xoan singing is the first heritage in the world suggested to be removed from the list. The final result will be announced by the end of 2017.

Nhan Dan