Young artists promote Vietnamese “Xam” singing

• Quan Ho folk singing preserved and fostered in Bac Giang
• Provinces to mobilise funding for UNESCO-recognised Vi Giam singing

"Eyes of Xam" is cohosted by 'In Progress' - a series of events under the Cultural and Creative Hubs Vietnam (a project co-funded by the European Union and the British Council), and the Vietnam Institute of Culture and Arts Studies (VICAS).

The program, takes place at the Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts Studies (VICAS) Art Studio in Hanoi, is carried out by "Cheo 48h" - a group of "cheo" artists and young arts enthusiasts in Hanoi.

"Eyes of Xam" consists of a series of exhibition, mini concert, and audience-interactive activities which aims at bringing multi-sensory experiences with “Xam” singing genre to people.

According to Dinh Thao, head of the "Cheo 48h" project team, "Eyes of Xam" gathered the participation and contribution of many artists who share the same passion about this unique singing genre. 

Within the program, there will be a showcase featuring painting depicting three expressions of “Xam” performers, a portrait of Meritorious Artist Ha Thi Cau (1917-2013), and a documentary about young people learning the “Xam” singing art.

“Xam” (blind wanderers’ music) is a centuries-old singing style of the Vietnamese people, which has long been recognized as an important piece of the nation’s cultural heritage. 

Like “ca tru” (ceremonial singing), the singer can play musical instruments at the same time. While “ca tru” singers beat castanets while singing, “xam” singers often play Dan bau (monochord) or dan nhi (two-string fiddle).