Soong co and Cheo recognised national intangible cultural heritages

Updated: 15:12, 21/07/2025

BAC NINH- The 2 folk art performances of Bac Ninh province including soong co of San Diu ethnic people and cheo singing have been recognised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as national intangible cultural heritages. This is a big pride for Bac Ninh people, which affirms values of the special folk arts in the northern province of Bac Ninh.

It is also an important milestone on the journey to preserve the national cultural identities, giving opportunities for young generations to love, understand more and continue protecting the cultural quintessence cherished by the ancestors.

The soong co duet-singing by San Diu ethnic people is often performed in friendly spaces, closely connected to daily life.

Nowadays, teaching language, scripts and folk songs of San Diu ethnic people to young generation has been paid attention.

The class teaching language and soong co singing to children in Phuong Son ward.

Soong co folk songs are performed in creative and flexible duet-singing, one side sings a verse then the other side responds in turn.

When performing soong co, the locals use the language of their ethnic group and wear traditional costumes.

Vietnam Army Cheo Theatre collaborates with the localities to perform the cheo play “Tuoi tre Nguyen Van Cu” (Nguyen Van Cu’s youth) to serve people in the province.

A cheo art performance at Nguyen Van Cu park (Vo Cuong ward).

The “farmer artists” at the cheo singing class (in Que Vo ward).

Members of the cheo singing club of Ngoc Kham village (in Thuan Thanh ward) in a performance to serve tourists at Dau pagoda, the special national relic site.