Cambodian Classics Ensemble with Chum Ngek

The Cambodian Classics Ensemble features master artists who were trained at Cambodia's Fine Arts University, were leaders of professional music ensembles in Cambodia, and have revived their arts in refugee camps and the U.S. since the late 1970s. They are among the masters who resettled in response to civil war, revolution, and economic hardship. Juggling daily survival with preserving their traditions, they are recognized teachers and performers in their community, but they are virtual secrets to their mainstream neighbors.

The program includes music and dances from the Cambodian court repertoire. This classical art is associated with the Angkor Empire (802-1432), a time when Cambodia was large and powerful. Prior to the looting of Angkor Wat — a famous twelfth century temple located in Siem Reap, Cambodia — carvings of celestial dancers and pin peat instruments appeared on the structure’s walls. Scholars point to these images as evidence that Khmer classical music and dance can be traced back to at least that era. The contemporary repertoire dates back more directly to the mid-19th century when King Ang Duong revived Khmer culture, including court music and dance. This involved creating formalized dance gestures (based upon sculpture at Angkor Wat) and a fixed set of musical pieces, all of which correspond to types of actions and emotions.

Since the fifteenth century, Cambodia has experienced centuries of invasion, colonization, war, and political upheaval. The most devastating destruction occurred when the Khmer Rouge took over the country between 1975 and 1979, trying to restructure society and culture. Millions of Cambodians died of starvation, overwork, illness, and execution. Those who survived miraculously now work in Cambodia and around the world to rebuild and renew their country and their culture.

In traditional Cambodia, music and dance was always respected as offerings to gods, ancestors, and teachers. They connected the human with the supernatural world. Many artists today feel this connection. Many tell stories of how their arts saved them from seemingly inescapable misfortune and death.

Khmer classical music and dance are interdependent. During performance, both musicians and dancers (independently and together in different combinations) unfold stories and convey non-narrative ideas to the audience.

Pin peat music is the driving force behind the classical dance. It is also performed for sacred, royal, and religious ceremonies.

The classical dance features four basic character types: the male, the female, the demon, and the monkey. Particular musical pieces are also associated with some of these characters, especially when engaged in certain kinds of actions. Traditionally, women performed all roles, except for the monkey. This is generally true today but often men play male and demon roles. Strong but exquisite and restrained movements distinguish the male. The female is discerned by her delicate curves, radiant beauty, and by her subtle, flowing rhythmic movements. The demon makes bold, coarse movements and the monkeys act like mischievous children, overstepping the boundaries of proper behavior with their acrobatic antics.

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9/3/08: Cambodian Classics Ensemble with Chum Ngek

NEA Heritage Award winners from Maryland, the group has helped to preserve the elegant, graceful music and dance traditions of Cambodia. Part of Masters of Tradition.

Cambodian Classics Ensemble with Chum Ngek

NEA Heritage Award winners from Maryland, the group has helped to preserve the elegant, graceful music and dance traditions of Cambodia. Part of Masters of Tradition.

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Cambodian Classics Ensemble with Chum Ngek

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