U.S. Air Force Band String Quartet Concert

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh
May 8, 2016

The United States Air Force Band String Quartet held a special concert on May 8, 2016 for His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, Her Majesty Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, and other invited guests to commemorate a performance that took place on May 9, 1956 in Phnom Penh at the invitation of the late King Norodom Suramarit and Queen Sisowath Monivong Kossomak Nearireath Serei Watana.

Joined by two Cambodian artists, The United States Air Force Band String Quartet played a mix of American, European, and Cambodian music, including two pieces by King Sihanouk that premiered in 1956.

The musicians concluded the 60th Anniversary Concert with a special birthday message for HM King Norodom Sihamoni and a heart-warming encore performance of “Monika” in honor of HM Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk.

The musicians close the concert with a surprise encore honoring the beloved Cambodian Queen Mother on the occasion of Mother’s Day. The poignant short piece “Monica,” composed by her husband over 60 years ago, brought the monarch and audience to tears. [Photo: Un Yarat]
Included in the audience are several Cambodian cabinet ministers, ambassadors from several European, African, Middle East and Southeast Asian nations, as well as numerous other diplomatic and military dignitaries. [Photo: Un Yarat]
The audience, including Ambassador and Mrs. Heidt, get emotional during the performance. [Photo: Un Yarat]
The audience, including Ambassador and Mrs. Heidt get emotional during the performance. [Photo: Un Yarat]