Ca Tru singing appeared in Quang Binh for 300 years ago and originated in northern Viet Nam. It is an art form of sung poetry with a rich collection of songs reserved for each functions as Hat tho (worship singing), Hat thi (competitive singing), Hat choi (singing for entertainment).

According to the Quang Binh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, troupes of Ca Tru (ceremonial singing) in the central province of Quang Binh are now reserving 21 ancient tunes and have been often performed by the Ca Tru troupe of Dong Duong village, Quang Phuong commune, Quang Trach district, and the troupe in Chau Hoa commune, Tuyen Hoa district.

The province now has 10 Ca Tru troupes with 138 artists who play traditional musical instruments and sing and dance traditional ceremonial songs.

Since Ca Tru was recognised as an intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding by the United Nation’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Oct. 1, 2009, Ca Tru troupes in Quang Binh have held over 30 free-of-charge performances to the public in order to raise people’s awareness on preservation of the singing.
"Ca Tru", also known as “hat a dao” or “hat noi” (ceremonial singing) which dates back to the 15th century, has also been listed among intangible global cultural heritage traditions in danger of disappearing.

This is a long-standing and unique form of art which has special meaning in the musical treasures of Viet Nam, associated with the traditional festivals, customs, religions, literature, music, thoughts and philosophy of the Vietnamese.

Ca Tru, as many ancient arts, has many forms. However, the most widely known and widely performed type of ca tru involves only three kinds: the female vocalist, a lute player and a spectator.

www.quangbinh.gov.vn