The art programme is part of activities underway to mark Vietnam Culture Heritage Day which falls on November 23 annually.
Grammy Award-winning American conductor Jeff Von Der Schmidt (L) and cultural researcher Dam Quang Minh deliver speeches at the opening of the art programme.
A group of local artists perform Ca Tru, a type of Vietnamese ceremonial singing, recognised by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage in October, 2009.
The Center for Culture and Art in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is packed with local residents and tourists.
The most common form of Ca Tru involves three performers, including a female vocalist, a lute player, and a drummer. The female singer provides the vocals, whilst playing her phach, beating the two wooden sticks together on a small bamboo bar, which serves as the percussion.
Ca Tru originates from folk music, meaning that it is a synthesis of art involving a complex blend of poetry and music. Photographed is a special performance put on by a 97-year-old vocalist.
People’s artist Thuy Ngan performs Cheo, one of the traditional theatrical art forms from the country.
Artist Ngo Tra My excites audiences while playing Dan Bau, the Vietnamese monochord, which is a traditional one-string musical instrument and an important part of traditional arts.
Grammy Award-winning American conductor Jeff Von Der Schmidt also joins in the program.
He conducts the Hanoi New Ensemble as they perform a traditional piece.