From 29 May to 1 June 2024, the capital hosted the first Phnom Penh International Choir Competition, organised by INTERKULTUR, a world leader in choral events, in collaboration with the incoming agency All Dreams Cambodia and with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Information and the municipality of Phnom Penh.
Driven by INTERKULTUR, a worldwide organiser of choir competitions and festivals since 1988, All Dreams Cambodia was able to provide the energy needed to organise this four-day event.
In addition to its role as an incoming agency in Cambodia, All Dreams Cambodia aims to promote the Kingdom as a tourist destination in its own right, in particular by organising events of international stature.
A rich programme
Bringing together seven choirs and 200 participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Cambodia, the event kicked off on 29 May with a grand opening ceremony at the Chaktomuk theatre, presided over by H.E. Dr Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture.
In front of an audience of 500 guests, after the playing of the Cambodian national anthem and a demonstration of traditional classical dance by the Royal Ballet Tep Monurum, the Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh Municipality, Lok Chumteav Keo Sok Pisey, warmly welcomed all the participants.
Then it was the turn of H.E. Chuop Paris, Secretary of State for the Environment, to do the same, before highlighting all the initiatives taken by the organisers to ensure that this event is committed to the environment and sustainable development. The stage was then given to Her Excellency Dr Phoeurng Sackona, who had the pleasure of declaring the official opening of the First Phnom Penh International Choral Competition.
A short speech by Mr Johan Rooze, the Dutch artistic director and representative of INTERKULTUR, preceded performances by several of the choirs entered in the competition, who delighted the guests with their songs. A convivial cocktail party brought the gala evening to a close, under the banner of unity and solidarity between cultures and the arts.
In addition to the competition, which was open to the public and judged by a panel of international experts, a series of workshops led by choral expert Peder Karlsson, co-founder of a new choral movement in Sweden, provided valuable learning opportunities for choral conductors, singers and choirs of all levels.
The participants also performed at Aeon Mall 1 in two public mini-concerts, known as ‘Friendship Concerts’, which drew rapturous applause from the audience.
The event came to a close on Saturday 1 June with a joyous prize-giving and closing ceremony at the ITC, during which the best performances were rewarded and celebrated.
Thunderous applause greeted the wonderful surprises orchestrated for the occasion by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, including a dynamic ballet choreographed on the theme of music and the different nationalities of the participating choirs, as well as the harmonious singing of a Cambodian choir performing on stage for the first time.
The audience was invited to sing in unison under the direction of Peder Karlsson before Mr Johan Rooze, representing D'INTERKULTUR, presented the prizes and awarded the grand trophy for this first Phnom Penh 2024 international choir competition to Gita Suara Choir ISBI Bandung, an outstanding choir from Indonesia.
A committed event
In line with global efforts to promote sustainable development, the organisers of the First Phnom Penh International Choir Competition are committed to maximising the positive contribution of this major event and minimising its negative impact.
To combat climate change, the carbon footprint of participants during their stay has been calculated by Ecosol France and a significant part of this will be offset by the purchase of Gold Standard carbon credits via Everland to support the Keo Seima wildlife sanctuary in Mondolkiri province. This sanctuary is home to ethnic minorities and endangered species of flora and fauna listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
This competition is the first international event in Cambodia to calculate and offset its carbon footprint. It also supports access to drinking water and education through donations. For each participant, two dollars were donated to Teuk Saat 1001's “Water in Schools” programme, which provides drinking water to schoolchildren in rural areas.
A further 3 dollars per participant was donated to SIPAR's Mobile Library programme, which brings books to disadvantaged communities, promoting literacy and educational opportunities.
Much more than just a competition
With its opening ceremony, workshops, mini-concerts, competition and closing ceremony, the very first Phnom Penh International Choir Competition is much more than just a competition. It is a celebration of cultural diversity, artistic expression and international friendship.
It also highlights Phnom Penh's growing role as a dynamic cultural centre and shines a spotlight on Khmer culture and the Kingdom's attractiveness. Finally, it provides tremendous support for initiatives that are important for preserving the environment and sustainable development in Cambodia.
‘We worked very hard to organise this event in a short space of time. We are very proud of what we have achieved together to promote Cambodia and its culture', concludes Mona HARD, Marketing Manager of All Dreams Cambodia.
By Jérémie Montessuis