Using Music, Imagery, and Dance to Address the Traumas of the Khmer Rouge-Era

The National Museum, Phnom Penh
July 13, 2017

A new symphonic work by Cambodian filmmaker Rithy Panh and composer Him Sophy that will be performed in New York, Boston, and Australia was unveiled in Phnom Penh.

“Bangsokol: A Requiem for Cambodia” combines music, voice, movement, and visuals.

At a press conference announcing the piece, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’affaires Julie Chung said the composition “is a memorial to the tragedies of the 1970s Khmer Rouge period. But more importantly, it is about hope and continuance.”

Andrew Cyr (right), whose visit was sponsored by the U.S. Embassy, worked to prepare musicians for shows in the United States, France, and Australia of “Bangsokol.” [Photo: Un Yarat]
(From left to right) U.S. Embassy Chargé d’affaires Julie Chung, Cambodian filmmaker Rithy Panh and Australian Ambassador Angela Corcoran [Photo: Un Yarat]
(From left to right) U.S. Embassy Chargé d’affaires Julie Chung, Cambodian filmmaker Rithy Panh and Australian Ambassador Angela Corcoran [Photo: Un Yarat]