Though in his seventies, Excellent Artist Tran Thao (Phu Xuan, Hue) has never spent a single day without nha nhac (court music). He teaches it in classrooms, passing on his craft in his small house and maintaining a nha nhac club for over three decades now. Every year, he travels to An Giang, carrying with him the “music of the past” to share with others.

Within the tranquil setting of Hue Imperial Citadel, the melodies of nha nhac (Royal Court Music) resonate slowly and steadily. This enduring musical flow quietly carries echoes of the past, along with the steadfast efforts of those who dedicate themselves each day to preserving the heritage.

Nha Nhac or Hue royal court music emerged during the early years of the Ly Dynasty (from 1010 to 1225), but it was not until the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 - 1945) that this type of music truly flourished and became a heritage of the nation and humanity. Through many ups and downs, the Hue royal court music has been carefully preserved and empowered through generations, acting as a strong connection of the past with the present and the future.