Ca Tru | Vibepedia

Ca tru is a traditional Vietnamese genre of musical storytelling that originated in northern Vietnam, characterized by a female vocalist accompanied by a small ensemble of instruments. Ca tru was initially associated with entertaining the wealthy and the royal court, as well as with ceremonies involving the performance of religious songs. This genre is a unique blend of music, poetry, and storytelling, with a focus on the emotional expression of the vocalist. Ca tru has undergone significant changes over the centuries, with various regional styles emerging, but its core essence remains the same. The genre has been influenced by other traditional Vietnamese music forms, such as hat boa and hat xam. The Vietnamese government has launched initiatives to support ca tru artists and to promote the genre globally, including collaborations with international artists and organizations, such as the Asia Society.