Hue royal court music to be honoured, Bac Ha

The long-awaited Festival Hue 2004 will open on June 12 with many cultural and art activities. People’s artist Trung Kien-general director of the program, talked about the event.

People’s artist Trung Kien said whilst many people asked him if there were new programs compared with previous festivals, he thought it would be not so easy to renew such a festival as it’s a traditional art program. However, he said, they would try to make the festival attractive and interesting for the people. His ideas for the new event have been praised by the Ministry of Culture and Information and Thua Thien – Hue province, but for him, it’s a big challenge to organize it all. According to Mr.Trung Kien, there are about 600 artists from cities, provinces and international art troupes coming from France, China, Russia, Argentina and India to the event. The criteria for the opening ceremony is ‘Nation – Modernity- Friendship- Solidarity’ with all the beauty of Hue culture, harmony of the art of Vietnam and foreign countries being performed as well as the traditional folk art of many regions being introduced.

In the morning of June 12, there will be a parade by 1,000 artists from 25 art troupes at home and 14 troupes from abroad. They will give lively performances on the streets. One of the new things in this festival is the participation of some popular singers. A folk game by 100 artisans from Thanh Hoa northern province will close the opening together with a fireworks display.

The opening ceremony will be held at a huge stage in Ngo Mon (the Noon Gate) Square, and last for 70 minutes of art performances. People’s Artist Trung Kien said nha nhac (Hue Royal Court Music) will be honoured in the event. According to him, to popularize nha nhac, which has been recognized by the UNESCO as the world’s intangible cultural heritage, they expect to set up a stage for nha nhac in the ancient royal court with performances from old artisans with around 50 drums and 10 pan-pines. Preparations now are being made in a race against time. More local professional and amateur artists and those from other localities will be joining as compared with the previous festivals.

The dress rehearsal will take place on June 10.