Hanoi (VNA) – Multi-sensoryexperiences with “Xam” singing genre will be offered to visitors at the VietnamNational Institute of Culture and Arts Studies (VICAS) Art Studio in Hanoi fromMay 16-22.

Carried out by the “Cheo48h” group, these activities comprise a painting exhibition, an installationartwork, experimental music events and an online talk shows.

On showcase will be apainting depicting three expressions of “Xam” performers, a portrait of MeritoriousArtist Ha Thi Cau (1917-2013), and a documentary about young people learningthe “Xam” singing art.

An installationartwork in the shape of an eye put together by 200 musical instruments used inthe art aims to call on the audience to view “Xam” in different dimensions in abid to discover its charms.

The events are part ofa project entitled “Cultural and Creative Hubs Vietnam 2018–2021”, which receivesfinancial support from the European Union and is jointly implemented by theBritish Council and VICAS.

“Xam” is acenturies-old singing style of the Vietnamese people, which has long beenrecognised as an important piece of the nation’s cultural heritage.

Like “ca tru”(ceremonial singing), the singer can play musical instruments at the same time.While “ca tru” singers beat castanets while singing, “Xam” singers often playDan bau (monochord) or dan nhi (two-string fiddle).

The singing is mainlyfound in the countryside and is mostly performed by poor artists who sing for aliving, expressing optimism, humour and philosophy about life. The performancesstem mostly from northern regions. In the past, most of “Xam” performers wereblind.

During the war timeand the early 20th century, crowded trams, markets and street corners wereturned into stages for buskers./.