“As one of the most important initiatives to counteract the spread of cultural amnesia, Victoria Vorreiter’s Hmong Songs of Memory multi-media project deserves the highest recognition and support locally and globally. For the research community, her work points the way forward to a holistic methodological practice built on interdisciplinary partnership. This work is no doubt one of the most significant archives in recent musicological writings.”

I was profoundly amazed by the book and ethnographic film, Hmong Songs of Memory, by researcher and musician Victoria Vorreiter. And my Hmong soul was astonishingly revived, when visiting her exhibition, Hmong Songs of Memory/Hmong Threads of Life, which recalled me of my Hmong ethnic origins. This Hmong work encourages the Hmong people, scattered all over the world, to preserve their rich cultural traditions in order to maintain ethnic identity while integrating in the mainstream society. I wish to express my warm congratulations to Victoria Vorreiter for her research capacity and great accomplishments on her Hmong studies.

Remembrance and appreciation of the diversity of cultures—music and visual arts, poetry and sacred apotheosis—are essential to understanding human expression and our need to integrate and be a part of each other within natural habitats: This and not war propels and protects our species.  One of our best ambassadors of this notion is Victoria Vorrieter, whose dedicated commitment—photographs, recordings, films, and writing—is an inestimable gift, helping to preserve ‘spiritual memory’ in the songs and traditions of tribal peoples. Her most recent book, Hmong Songs of Memory, is a comprehensive and impassioned archival of the Hmong people of Southeast Asia. It is a fascinating, enriching, multi-media documentation of a remarkable cultural tapestry.

Deep thanks to bring to us a true world. Slowly fading away because nearly nobody takes care of it or is interested anymore. There is in it the roots of our common heritage. Its ancestral beauty and early rhythms, all of this talking to our health.

It takes courage and determination to do it along your years of work, never give up and deepen tirelessly your knowledge, skills, and share it with us. We are so grateful you did it.

My dear Victoria,
What a marvelous exhibition. I take in what an incredible exploration you have done to collect all of this precious information. You continue by your work to preserve the knowledge of these very important traditions. Bravo for your photographs, which are magnificent (I am a little jealous!). Thank you again for these talented demonstrations of your sensitivity and your involvement.

Lovely, thoughtful and very informative exhibition! Better than what I have seen in museums. The photos and descriptions show so much caring and depth. Bravo, Victoria! You surely do your lost home justice!

Victoria is a great personality. Now and here she has for another time created an extraordinary exhibition. The Hmong culture from northern Thailand and Laos is presented with great knowledge and sympathy. The photos are brilliant and wonderful, as are the issued traditional textiles and musical instruments. We highly admire Victoria for her sensitive work and will recommend this exhibition to everybody.

Dear Victoria,
I have received your book with much appreciation. It is a most fitting testament to your commitment to promote better understanding and appreciation of the rich musical heritage of the Hmong. Your informative books, videos, lectures and exhibitions, all so artfully presented, are to be highly commended. I wish you continued success in all your endeavors.

As an American living in the midst of the Hmong Western migration, I grew up with very little understanding about the culture or who they were as a society. I appreciate this glimpse into their world and giving one the opportunity to witness this unique and incredible culture.