The ‘Visiting the land of Quan Ho (Love Duet) singing’ festival 2019 will take place in the northern province of Bac Ninh from February 13 to 28, to mark a decade since the folk art form won UNESCO recognition as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity (2009 - 2019).
At a press conference on January 25, the organising board announced that the festival will provide an opportunity to review the 10-year implementation of Viet Nam’s commitments to UNESCO to safeguard and promote the value of Quan Ho, and continue advertising the art form to people at home and abroad.
A range of activities will be scheduled during the festival, including a Quan Ho singing competition, Bac Ninh culture and tourism week, a street carnival, and assorted folk games.
The highlight of the festival will be a ceremony marking a decade since Quan Ho won the UNESCO title on the evening of February 23, followed by an arts programme, which will gather Quan Ho singers from 49 villages in Bac Ninh and Bac Giang provinces, as well as seven art troupes from cities and provinces where Quan Ho is practiced.
A special art exchange will be held on February 25, bringing together UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritages of Vietnam, namely Quan Ho, Hue royal court music, the cultural space of gong and the folklore singing of Xoan, Vi Dam, Don Ca Tai Tu and Bai Choi.
Individuals and collectives who have made significant contributions to the safeguarding and promotion of Quan Ho will also be honoured on the occasion.