Songs of Sanaa

　　Yemen has been exposed to numerous new musical influences owing to the liberalization of the economy, the development of television and other media, and labor migration. Although Yemenis remain fiercely proud of the Song of Sanaa tradition, concert attendance has dwindled and today's musicians - despite their growing numbers - know only a handful of old songs, which they interject in their performances before moving on to lighter contemporary pieces. Only a few elderly musicians have preserved the breadth of the Song of Sanaa tradition and the subtleties of its interpretation.

　　The action plan calls for the recording of living masters and the organizing of activities and encounters focusing on the Song of Sanaa tradition with a view to stimulating greater interest among the general public. Other plans include encouraging research and publications, establishing workshops for teaching instrument- making techniques, and reinforcing legal protection for artists.