A Vietnamese folk music show featuring poetry reading and ethnic music will be staged twice every week in Ho Chi Minh City, starting this Saturday, the organizer said Monday in a press release.

The “The Touch of Masters’ Hands” show will be held on Tuesday at 12:30 pm and Saturday at 7:30 pm on a weekly basis at Phuong Bao Music at 11Bis Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.

It boasts such performances from different regions in Vietnam as folk songs, traditional and ethnic music, poetry reading, instrumental music, and especially “chau van” (traditional northern spiritual singing).

“Chau van,” also known as “hat van” or “hat bong,” which has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, was introduced during the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400).

Nam Dinh Province, located in the north, is considered the genre’s birthplace.

The genre is a highly rhythmic and trance-oriented form of singing which is mainly played at temples and pagodas.

It is typically performed during rituals to honor the Mother Goddesses and spiritually connected to other gods.

Audiences of the show will have a chance to try playing traditional instruments, talk to the artists, and ask questions about Vietnamese music and culture. English interpretation will be available during these activities.

“The Touch of Masters’ Hands” was created by people’s artist Phuong Bao, who is well-known for her ability to play “dan tranh” (plucked zither of Vietnam) and is seen as a pioneer in the development of traditional music.

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