Mr. Ha Van Nam, Head of the Tay Ethnic Folk Culture Club in An Phu village, Tan An commune (Chiem Hoa) discussed Then singing and Tinh lute playing with members of the Club's Executive Unit.
According to Ha Van Nam, Head of the Club, Tan An is the hometown of the late Meritorious Artisan Ha Phan and People's Artisan Ha Thuan. This heritage transfuses a strong sense of responsibility among locals to preserve their traditional Then melodies. Having grown up surrounded by Then singing, Nam himself is skilled in both Then singing and Tinh lute playing, though he lacked formal practice until joining the club. Participating in the club has been an opportunity for him and other members to deepen their understanding of Then and improve their skills.
The club now has over 20 members, all of whom can sing Then and play the Tính lute.
Ma Thi Phuong, a member of the club's executive board, said that the younger generation, including her children and grandchildren, participated in the Club. She does not want this cultural identity to fade. Learning Then and the Tinh lute is a way for families to connect and preserve traditions, she said.
The melodies of Then and the gentle strumming of the Tính lute offer a source of relaxation and joy, helping members unwind from the stresses of daily life.
The club is also actively involved in cultural exchange and community art events. Despite their diverse occupations, members enthusiastically participate in club activities and dedicate time to practice. As a result, the sounds of Then and Tính continue to peal in every home across An Phu Village, nurturing a strong sense of cultural pride and community spirit.
Nguyen Thanh Hieu
