Xoan singing escapes emergency protection

This is the first case in the world where a report was submitted to UNESCO to remove a heritage from the state of urgent protection.

Phu Tho province has officially submitted a dossier and report to UNESCO to remove Xoan singing from the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. The final result will be announced by UNESCO at the end of 2017, after reviewing, considering and carrying out the procedures.

According to a report from Phu Tho province, immediately after being recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in need of urgent protection on November 24, 2011, the province immediately had an action plan and implemented conservation with a "strategic vision".

Teaching Xoan singing to the young generation.

Starting from the inventory with community participation, identifying the core melodies of Xoan singing, providing emergency support and consolidating the four original Xoan guilds, the province has developed the conservation work into organizing teaching, training new generations of artisans, and bringing Xoan singing into schools.

Currently, the number of members in the 4 Xoan guilds has increased from 72 artisans in 2006 to 135 artisans. From 7 very old people who are still able to teach, there are now 62 successor artisans continuing to be teachers in Xoan clubs, guilds, and villages. From 13 Xoan lover clubs, it has now increased to 30 clubs with more than 1,100 members.

19 relics related to Xoan singing, especially Lai Len temple, Thet communal house, Kim Doi communal house, An Thai communal house (all in Viet Tri city) - the oldest relics associated with the birth of Xoan singing, have been restored, renovated, embellished and put into use. 80/90 schools in Viet Tri city have integrated Xoan singing into their teaching programs and have been permitted by the Ministry of Education and Training.

Up to now, Phu Tho has honored and conferred the title of Xoan Singing Artist to 52 people, and the President has signed a decision to confer the title of Meritorious Artist for the first time on 19 artisans in the field of intangible cultural heritage in this province.

Along with restoring related relics, recognizing titles and implementing policies to support artisans, the province is reviving ancient singing styles and customs.

Based on the results achieved after 4 years, on behalf of the leaders and management agencies of Phu Tho, Vice Chairman of Phu Tho Provincial People's Committee Ha Ke San confidently said: "We can affirm that Phu Tho Xoan singing has escaped the state of needing urgent protection by humanity".

If accepted by UNESCO, Xoan singing will be transferred to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

According to Chinhphu.vn