From 17-24 November 2019, 10 YST students and two YST faculty members participated in Bangsokol: A Requiem for Cambodia – a multidisciplinary composition by composer Him Sophy and film-maker and stage director Rithy Panh (both survivors of the Khmer Rouge) that addresses the traumas of the late 1970s in Cambodia. Following an initial four days of rehearsals alongside Cambodian musicians, they performed from 21-23 November in Chaktomuk Hall, Phnom Penh as part of the Arts4peace Festival. Prior to the trip, YST musicians also visited Cambodia to conduct workshops with local musicians.

Bangsokol contextualises the Western requiem in Khmer culture with bangsokol, the eponymous ceremony that accompanies Cambodian funeral rites, allowing spirits of the dead to find rest. The work combines traditional Khmer music forms with the Western chamber orchestra and chorus, as well as dance and visual projections. The work seeks to honour all victims of violent conflict and advocate for peace education so that we may forge new paths going forward.

The cultural significance of the production was particularly meaningful for students. Joo Hwayoung (Year 1, Cello), who was cello section leader, shared, “Through the rehearsal and performance process, I understood more about Cambodia’s history and the pain that its people went through.” Natalie Koh (Year 4, Violin), who served as concertmistress for the orchestra, noted, “Interestingly, this production had premiered in cities such as Boston, Melbourne and Paris, but it had never been played before in Cambodia. It was also our honour to perform for the King of Cambodia in our second ticketed show.”