Nghe An, Aug. 17 -- The melodies of Vi and Giam folk songs continue to echo through classrooms and clubs across the central province of Nghe An, making the cultural current flow strong and clear into the future.

These ancient folk songs, inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2014, represent far more than simple melodies. They are the breath and soul of this land and its people. Yet today, these precious musical traditions stand at a crossroads, threatened by the rapid pace of modern life.

Over the past four years, Nghe An has operated classes teaching Vi and Giam folk songs to talented students at primary and secondary schools. The current 36 students from 130 communes and ward...