Opera Singer Nurtures Cambodian Voice

Khuon Sethisak during his performance
Khuon Sethisak

By Nuch Sarita, VOA Khmer
Washington
28 January 2008

Click here to listen to the program in Khmer

In a land covered with karaoke clubs, with singers in every home and videos on every television, Cambodia’s only traditionally trained opera singer stands singularly apart.

Trained in Moscow, Italy and Berkeley, Khuon Sethisak, has been back in Cambodia since 2001 and has since worked steadily to bring opera to Cambodians—and help them sing.

Khuon Sethisak, who tenor voice is rich and powerful when he sings but a little quiet when he speaks, said Cambodia’s singers need help to learn how to protect their voices, and encouragement to join international venues and events.

Past singers have not had access to international venues, he said Monday, as a guest on “Hello VOA.” “I want the world to know the voice of Khmer singers,” he said.

Cambodians need to work on the craft of singing and need to nurture the talent they have and keep training their voices, he said.

Meanwhile, he said, he hopes to make opera accessible to all.

“Opera is a world inheritance,” he said. “An opera singer can sing until he’s 70 or 80 years old. It’s not just for the old or rich. To learn opera is to sing, act, to behave. Opera is good to instill morality in society.”

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.