Nurturing the sounds of traditional music

Ancient melodies in the Old Quarter

In a modest space on the third floor of the Ha Noi’s Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Centre at 50 Dao Duy Tu Street, performances by Dong Kinh Co Nhac unfold in a simple and minimalist setting. There are no dazzling stages, no sophisticated sound systems and no technical effects-only the harmonious blend of traditional instruments and vocals, presented in their most authentic form.

At such close range, audiences can not only observe the subtle expressions of the performers but also experience the delicate nuances of each sound: the depth and solemnity of ca tru (ceremonial singing), the lyrical sweetness of cheo (traditional opera), and the rustic character of xam (ballads once sung by wandering blind musicians).

This rare sense of intimacy evokes the atmosphere of traditional communal houses, where music was once an integral part of community life.

In recent years, Dong Kinh Co Nhac has remained committed to preserving the authenticity and simplicity of traditional music, from performance spaces to the techniques of playing instruments and singing ancient melodies. Their regular shows, titled “Music Stories of the Old Quarter,” have gradually turned 50 Dao Duy Tu into a cultural gathering space for lovers of traditional music in Ha Noi.

Despite operating on a non-profit basis, with free public access and venue assistance from the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ha Noi’s Old Quarter Management Board, the group has been attracting the long-term participation of veteran artists in traditional music and performing arts, along with young lecturers from the Viet Nam National Academy of Music.

They are also joined by distinguished artisans representing various traditional genres, contributing to the richness and continuity of the performances.

According to Dam Quang Minh, head of the group, what sustains this enduring bond is the artists’ deep passion and dedication for traditional music. Every performance is not only an artistic presentation but also an act of preservation, transmission and promotion of Viet Nam’s musical heritage.

As a Vietnamese expatriate in France, Dam Quang Minh developed an early passion for traditional Vietnamese music. He had the opportunity to learn from renowned artisans such as Quach Thi Ho and Nguyen Thi Phuc when he was a child. His love for the traditional music has been nurtured by other leading scholars and musicians including poet Ngo Linh Ngoc, Professor Dr Tran Van Khe and composer Ton That Tiet.

He eventually returned to Viet Nam and, together with the late composer Vu Nhat Tan, founded Dong Kinh Co Nhac in 2014. The group originated from a collaboration to introduce Vietnamese traditional music in France and later officially debuted in Ha Noi.

The name “Dong Kinh,” he explained, not only refers to Thang Long-the ancient capital during the Le dynasty-but was also historically used in the West to refer to northern Viet Nam, reflecting both cultural depth and international accessibility.

Bringing traditional music into dialogue with modern life

Throughout its journey, Dong Kinh Co Nhac has not only focused on preserving and performing traditional music but also explored ways to revitalise it through interaction with other art forms.

Audiences have been captivated by creative fusions that bring unexpected harmony, such as incorporating lyrics by Trinh Cong Son into traditional Hue music, blending Vietnamese traditional music with German poetry, or combining traditional melodies with revolutionary music to create distinctive artistic expressions.

Dong Kinh Co Nhac’s efforts have expanded the creative boundaries of traditional music, allowing it to evolve beyond its role as a cultural heritage of the past and engage dynamically with contemporary life.

As the creative director behind many performances, Dam Quang Minh is regarded as the one who shapes the artistic structure of the group’s programmes. Drawing on his knowledge of language and history, he distils and arranges diverse elements into new performance forms. He considers tonal features of the Vietnamese language as natural musical notes, using them as a foundation to ensure that lyrics flow naturally and organically.

People’s Artist Minh Gai, a prominent figure in Vietnamese tuong (classical drama), who has been with the group since its early days, regards Dong Kinh Co Nhac not only as a performance stage but also as a unique creative space for traditional art forms.

Although the group does not operate for profit, she and other artists remain dedicated, driven by the joy of practising their craft and sharing national cultural values. She noted that the group has offered her new artistic experiences, including performing in innovative formats that retain the essence of traditional forms while becoming more accessible to contemporary audiences.

Through performances across Ha Noi’s Old Quarter as well as at schools and cultural centres both domestically and internationally, People’s Artisan Minh Gai and members of Dong Kinh Co Nhac have been deeply moved by the growing interest from young audiences and even international visitors who have proactively sought to learn about Vietnamese traditional music.

For the group’s members, this genuine engagement represents the most meaningful reward, affirming their persistent efforts to preserve and promote national musical heritage.

After more than a decade of dedication through the “Music Stories of the Old Quarter” series, the group remains committed to its path. From 2026, it plans to expand its activities with a new programme series titled “Traditional Music – Urban Homes,” highlighting the dialogue between traditional music and modern urban life.

Through this initiative, Dong Kinh Co Nhac seeks to ensure that traditional sounds are not confined to memory but also continue to resonate within the contemporary society.