Bac Ninh: The gentle melody of Soong Co's song

Soong co is a unique, lyrical folk song form, closely associated with the spiritual life of the San Diu ethnic group in the wards and communes of Phuong Son, Chu, Luc Ngan, Kien Lao, and Nam Duong. Soong co means "singing". The San Diu ethnic group sings on the occasion of Tet, birthdays, weddings, moving to a new house, during the off-season, when meeting or visiting each other's houses; there is no limit to space.

When performing Soong Co, people use their ethnic language and wear traditional costumes.

Soong Co is performed in a creative and flexible call-and-response style - one side sings, the other side responds.

Performing Soong Co does not require the use of musical instruments. When singing, the singer uses rhyme and emphasis to create the melody for the song. The lyrics are simple and close to the life and activities of the people.

Most communes and wards with a large number of San Diu ethnic people have established Soong Co singing clubs. Thanks to the activities of the clubs, the number of people who know how to sing Soong Co is increasing. In the photo: A meeting of the San Diu Ethnic Culture Preservation and Development Association, Hai Cu residential group, Phuong Son ward.

The San Diu Ethnic Culture Preservation and Development Association in Hai Cu Residential Group currently has 53 members, mainly elderly people. In addition to preserving ethnic culture, Soong Co meetings are also an opportunity for members, especially the elderly, to meet and share experiences in raising children.

Currently, the work of teaching San Diu language, writing, and folk songs to the young generation is of interest.

San Diu language classes and Soong Co performances are often held in the summer.

Many young people learn to speak San Diu to perform Soong Co correctly and well.

Thanks to the teachings of artisans, many young people can speak and sing in their ethnic language, contributing to preserving and promoting cultural identity, expressing pride in their roots.