VietNamNet Bridge – The Bank for Industry and Trade (Vietinbank) will grant 300 million VND (nearly 14,300 USD) to the restoration of “Bien chung” (brass bells) - a music instrument which used to be played at musical performances for the Hue royal court in the 19th and 20th centuries.

An agreement on the funding was signed between the Hue Relics Conservation Centre and Vietinbank’s Thua Thien-Hue branch on August 22.

Dr Phan Thanh Hai, Director of the Hue Centre said “Bien chung” consists of a set of bronze bells arranged under a certain position of sound levels and is an instrument of royal court music bands of many countries, including Vietnam. However, the instrument fell into oblivion since early 20 th century, and no one is able to play or make these bells at present.

An artisan specializing in traditional musical equipment from the Republic of Korea will help with the pilot production of a set of “Bien chung”.

Since the Hue royal court music (Nha nhac) was recognised by UNESCO in 2003 as part of the world intangible cultural heritage, the Hue Relics Conservation Centre has actively implemented several projects to preserve and restore the music and related equipment.

Source: Vietnam Plus