November 7th, 2023 marked the 20th anniversary of Hue Royal Court Music - Vietnam's first intangible cultural heritage - registered by UNESCO. Photo: Thanh Van

November 7th, 2023 marked the 20th anniversary of Hue Royal Court Music - Vietnam's first intangible cultural heritage - registered by UNESCO as a "Masterpiece of Intangible and Oral transmitted Heritage of humanity".

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.

Hue royal court music plays a vital role in various rituals, with exclusive versions for each ceremony, from the coronation ceremony, New Year celebrations, longevity wish ceremony, Sacrifice To Heaven Ceremony to temple worship ceremony, and Xa Tac Ritual Ceremony.

Today, Hue royal court music is no longer confined to its traditional environment but has been brought closer to the public through art performance programs and school education, making its name known to the international communities.