Cambodian [Forgotten] Songs is the second CD the Bophana Center is pleased and honored to present to the public. The result of the rediscovery of a work published in 1921 and later followed by a collective research effort, Cambodian [Forgotten] Songs is a selection of traditional Cambodian songs interpreted by contemporary musicians. The Bophana Center invites you to discover this new album from the Cambodian musical heritage on Friday, October 16 at 6:30 pm. An exhibition of photographs will retrace the genesis of this production.

Chansons Cambodgiennes, published by the Society for Indochinese Studies, appeared in 1921. Albert Tricon presented 54 Cambodian songs from all provinces of the kingdom. It was a collection of both words and music. Producing it was an act of safeguarding and preservation of the Cambodian musical heritage. In 1921, this act of preservation was brought about through the medium of print. The Bophana Center, by inviting contemporary Khmer musicians to study and reinterpret eight songs, hopes to revive this heritage and share it with as many people as possible.

The CD is accompanied by a libretto in two languages, Khmer and English, including an introductory text on the production of the CD, from the selection of songs to their studio recording. You will find eight titles, including Kâncha Vil, a drinking song, Lolok Sâr Leo, a song of separation, and Sarôme, a love song.

Special Thanks to Joyce Ahrens, Connie Baher, David Chandler, Joyce Clark, Aurélie Colladon, Jeffrey Cunard, Gaelle Dakan, Roland Eng, Fred Frumberg, Elen Gallien, Michel Fessler, Michael de Havenon, Helen Jessup, Sina Ouch, Rithy Panh, Ratana Lach, Martha Siv, Sokchanlina Lim, Duch Sok et Cora Taal.

The Bophana Center offers you an exhibition of photographs by the young Cambodian photographer Lim Sokchanlina taken during the production of this work. Other documents will also be on exhibit, including the original publication from 1921. A concert will enliven the evening. The Bophana Center hopes that this new production will receive a warm welcome from the public. Please come and support the efforts of collection, safeguarding and promotion of the Cambodian audiovisual heritage.

Since 2008, several partners have participated in the completion of Cambodian [Forgotten] Songs, including Amrita Performing Arts, who selected the musicians, and M. Bou Vannarith of the Cambodian national radio station, who made his studio available. For the production of the CD and the series of events accompanying it, the Bophana Audiovisual Resources Center received the support of The Prince Claus Fund and the Friends of Khmer Culture.