The return of Hy Chanthavouth

Hy Chanthavouth is in Kimberley this week celebrating five years in Canada. (Annalee Grant photo)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uneL9rJfWv0

Cambodian tenor visits his home-away-from home

September 6, 2012
Annalee Grant
Daily Bulletin (British Columbia, Canada)

It's been five years on September 20 since Hy Chanthavouth first stepped foot on Canadian soil, and he still thinks it's too cold here.

But a bit of shivering didn't scare the Cambodian tenor away, and he is happy to be celebrating the milestone in Kimberley with his former homestay parents, Brenda Tofczak and Ken Rintoul.

Chanthavouth is visiting Kimberley this week from Victoria before resuming his music studies at Camosun College at the end of the week. In his downtime he works at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

The community may remember him - and his incredible voice - from years of fundraising he did on behalf of the Cambodian Support Group, run locally by Arne Sahlen. The 26-year-old fondly remembers doing a number of charity performances in Kimberley.

My name Hy Kim Chanthavouth

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOubJmgebjk

Cambodia's [Opera] Tenor a Symbol of Its Re-Emergence

Sethisak performing at a concert at G. Verdi Theater, Italy 2005
(Photo: www.sethisak.com)

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

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.