Vietnam's Traditional Music 'Đờn ca tài tử' Program Enters Season 6, Targeting Younger Audiences

The popular competition program 'Tài tử miệt vườn' (Garden Virtuosos), aimed at promoting the traditional music genre 'Đờn ca tài tử' (Southern Vietnamese folk music), is set to return for its sixth season in 2026. The program seeks to discover and connect individuals who share a passion for traditional arts. Under the slogan 'Vươn xa cung bậc phương Nam' (Reaching Far with Southern Melodies), the sixth season signifies the efforts to preserve and promote the heritage of traditional music and cải lương (Vietnamese opera). According to Ms. Ngô Thị Ngọc Hạnh, Director of Radio and Television Broadcasting of Đồng Tháp Province and Head of the Organizing Committee, this initiative takes place within the new regional framework following the merger of four press agencies in Đồng Tháp. The program offers an artistic platform for all enthusiasts of Đờn ca tài tử, vọng cổ (a style of cải lương singing), and cải lương across the country. This year, particular emphasis is placed on blending tradition with contemporary art to attract and engage younger generations. Ms. Hạnh stated, 'With our deep love and passion for the nation's traditional arts, we will continue to bring 'Tài tử miệt vườn' to viewers and listeners everywhere. We aspire to preserve and develop the heritage of Đờn ca tài tử, vọng cổ, and cải lương, especially among the youth, to celebrate the unique cultural values of the South.' The organizing committee reported over 600 contestants for Season 6, with participants hailing from various provinces and cities, stretching from the Southeast region to Cà Mau. The age range of contestants is broad, from a 7-year-old to nearly an 80-year-old. The journey of 'Tài tử miệt vườn' this year comprises five rounds: 'Khởi động' (Warm-up), 'Cất cánh' (Take-off), 'Tăng tốc' (Acceleration), 'Bản lĩnh' (Grit), and 'Đăng quang' (Coronation). Throughout the program, seasoned artists will provide support. People's Artist Hữu Quốc serves as the Director and Artistic Advisor. The main judging panel consists of acclaimed singers Chí Tâm, Meritorious Artist Võ Minh Lâm, and Meritorious Artist Ngọc Huyền. A notable new feature in Season 6 is the 'Tăng tốc' round, where contestants will have the opportunity to collaborate with young artists such as Tiêu Minh Phụng, Bảo Kun, and Ngọc Phụng. This collaboration is expected to create a 'bridge' between Đờn ca tài tử and younger audiences, making traditional values more accessible and vibrant. Mr. Chí Tâm, who served as a judge in the previous two seasons, expressed confidence that this year's program will discover new talents, thereby continuing to keep the flame alive and spread traditional cultural values to the public. Meritorious Artist Võ Minh Lâm, returning to the program as a judge, shared his happiness and the pressure of his new role, aiming to discover young singers who embody the national spirit while embracing modern influences, thus helping Đờn ca tài tử reach further. 'Tài tử miệt miệt vườn' Season 6 will be broadcast every Sunday at 7:10 PM on THĐT1 channel, starting September 20, 2024. The grand finale is scheduled for early January 2027. The total prize value exceeds 200 million VND, with the championship prize being 100 million VND. Through the support of businesses, the organizing committee aims to bring the melodies of songs and vọng cổ, along with the values of Đờn ca tài tử, closer to the public, particularly the younger generation today.