August 22, 2007
By Rachel Snyder
All Things Considered
National Public Radio (USA)
Click here to listen to the full program
and listen to Sethisak Khoun
and listen to Sethisak Khoun
From 1975 through 1979, an estimated 1.5 million people lost their lives in Cambodia under the murderous rule of the Khmer Rouge. Since then, the tiny Southeast Asian country has struggled to get back on its feet economically, politically and culturally. Tucked away in the capital city is a man who exemplifies Cambodia's slow re-emergence, a man with a natural affinity toward music who was given a surprising opportunity.
Sethisak Khoun was fascinated by sound and music from an early age. When the Khmer Rouge banned all but officially sanctioned music, Sethisak made a kite that produced a pleasing sound when he flew it at night.
After the Khmer Rouge fell, he studied music at Cambodia's fine arts school and then studied voice at Moscow, Berkeley and Italy. He performed all over Europe and the United States, but lack of funding has interrupted the ongoing training that professional tenors receive.
Now, he's back in Cambodia, putting on his own concerts occasionally and performing at Embassy receptions for a little money on the side. He continues to practice twice a day — an exercise that he likens to Buddhist meditation.
Click here for additional information about Sethisak Khuon and listen to his performance.
Sethisak Khoun was fascinated by sound and music from an early age. When the Khmer Rouge banned all but officially sanctioned music, Sethisak made a kite that produced a pleasing sound when he flew it at night.
After the Khmer Rouge fell, he studied music at Cambodia's fine arts school and then studied voice at Moscow, Berkeley and Italy. He performed all over Europe and the United States, but lack of funding has interrupted the ongoing training that professional tenors receive.
Now, he's back in Cambodia, putting on his own concerts occasionally and performing at Embassy receptions for a little money on the side. He continues to practice twice a day — an exercise that he likens to Buddhist meditation.
Click here for additional information about Sethisak Khuon and listen to his performance.
3 comments:
I personnally give value to this living Khmer tresor. But I know that at the Faculty of Fine Arts, like in many other Institutions, there are many internal management conflicts that have barred Sethisak from in and out-Country performances.
I know him.He is a pleasant guy and very confident on skill he has, the voice.
Personally, his fame doesn't come from the government. It is from other countries which admire him. The Khmer govt won't interested in such a small thing like that. They think on their power and seats.
Sethisak, anyway you are a Khmer hero in me.
I'm so proude of Sthisak who is only one Khmer Tenor...I used to listen to his voice during the Ankor-Kyonyu Exhibition in Siem Reap last year. He made all my foreigner friends surprizing...Cambodia also have Opera singer as a Tenor...??? I do hope he will change this World with his voice of Opera...Chey Yo...Khmer Oper Singer...Tenor Sithisak...You are the second golden voice ...if our golden vice Sin Sisamuth still alive...:)
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