Ca Tru added to Heritage List

Ca Tru (ceremonial singing) has been listed as a cultural heritage in need of urgent protection by the United Nation’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
The decision was announced on October 1 at the fourth session of UNESCO inter-governmental committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Heritage in Abu Dhabi.
‘Ca Tru’, also known as “hat a dao” or “hat noi” (ceremonial singing) which dates back to the 15 th century, has also been listed among 12 intangible global cultural heritage traditions in danger of disappearing.
Ca Tru, like many old and highly developed arts, has many forms. However, the most widely known and widely performed type of ca tru involves only three performers: the female vocalist, a lute player and a spectator (who also takes part in the performance).