On December 17-18, 2023, Hue City hosted a national scientific conference on “Promoting the Value of Hue Traditional Music in Cultural and Tourism Development.” The event was jointly organized by the Thua Thien Hue Union of Science and Technology Associations (HUSTA) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, the Department of Culture and Sports, the Center for Preservation of the Imperial Relics of Hue, the Department of Science and Technology, the Hue Academy of Music, and the Provincial History Association. Scholars and experts came together to share knowledge and insights on the topic.
This conference comes at a significant time for Thua Thien Hue, which is achieving its goal of becoming a centrally governed city. The province has made substantial efforts to implement Resolution No. 54-NQ/TW from the Politburo, with one of the core focuses being the preservation and enhancement of Hue’s unique cultural heritage. Hue’s recognition as the sixth centrally governed city in Vietnam marks a key milestone in its ongoing growth and development.
Hue’s traditional music is a vital expression of its rich cultural history, showcasing the refinement and diversity of its royal court culture, which has profoundly influenced the broader landscape of Vietnamese folklore music. From its royal origins to its folk traditions, Hue’s music is distinctive and cherished. Notably, the UNESCO-recognized Nhã Nhạc (Hue Court Music) holds a special place as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The region’s folk music, which has evolved through a deep connection to the Vietnamese people’s cultural roots, also plays a central role in preserving the area’s rich musical legacy.
Dr. Ho Dac Thai Hoang, President of HUSTA and Head of the Organizing Committee, delivered the opening speech.
The conference brought together 23 presentations from leading experts, researchers, and scholars in music, culture, and tourism, both from within and outside Thua Thien Hue province. With its interdisciplinary focus, the event aimed to offer a holistic view of the preservation, inheritance, and promotion of Hue’s cultural and artistic heritage, particularly emphasizing its traditional music. The presentations explored the historical development of Hue’s traditional music, tracing its past and present evolution while examining its role and potential within culture and tourism. The conference provided a platform for discussing practical, feasible solutions, evaluating past achievements, and formulating policies to further enhance the value of Hue’s traditional music in the contemporary context.
Throughout the session, delegates were presented with three key talks:
- “Hue Traditional Music – Historical Evolution from the Past to the Present” by Nguyen Phuoc Hai Trung, Deputy Director of the Center for Preservation of the Imperial Relics of Hue, followed by a performance by the Hue Royal Traditional Art Theatre.
- “Promoting the Artistic Value of Ca Hue in Cultural and Tourism Development” by Phan Thanh Hai, Director of the Department of Culture and Sports, complemented by a performance from the Hue Art Theatre of Traditional Opera.
- “Hue Traditional Music in the Development of Hue Tourism” by Nguyen Van Phuc, Director of the Department of Tourism, accompanied by a video showcasing musical performances, including orchestral arrangements of Nhã Nhạc and Dân Ca Lý Ngựa Ô from the Hue Symphony Program.
The orchestral performance “Thap Thu Lien Hoan” (Ten-Fingered Continuous Melody) was presented by the Hue Royal Traditional Art Theatre.
The singing and dancing performance “Hue – The Capital of Ao Dai” was presented by People’s Artist Mai Le and the dance troupe of the Hue Art Theatre of Traditional Opera.
Nguyen Van Phuc, Director of the Department of Tourism, presented
The seminar “Promoting the Value of Traditional Hue Music in the Development of Culture and Tourism” was a significant milestone in preserving and celebrating Vietnam’s rich intangible cultural heritage. It also played a key role in supporting the economic, social, cultural, and tourism growth of Thua Thien Hue province, helping the region move toward greater integration and long-term sustainability.
Throughout the event, participants could experience live performances by the Hue Singing Club and enjoy artistic displays at the Duyet Thi Duong Theatre in the heart of the Imperial City of Hue.
Here are some pictures from the conference:
Translator: Thuy Tien
