Classical Musician Plays at Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, in Washington, hosted Cambodian classical musician Chum Ngek last week, to represent both Cambo
The KennedyCenter for Performing Arts, in Washington, hosted Cambodian classical musician Chum Ngeklast week, to represent both Cambodian tradition and the state of Maryland. At the center, he played threesolos on his "roneat aik," a kind of treble xylophone, and led theclassical ensemble. Chum Ngek is a recipient ofthe Bess Lomax Hawes Fellowship award for service to his community, and is amaster of Cambodian music, an accomplished performer and revered teacher. The KennedyCenter is featuring arts across America,presenting artists from 51 states and many disciplines and backgrounds,including music, dance and theater. The Kennedy Centerinvited Chum Ngek "to work with a number of masters in differenttraditional realms of performances," said Garth Ross, director ofperforming arts. "He represents Marylandand Cambodian cultures." "Our goal is to invitehim to make sure that the Cambodian culture is represented, and we know him tobe the foremost teacher and performer," Ross said. Chum Ngek was thrilled aboutperforming at the KennedyCenter, where he has beeninvited to play many times in the past. "I am glad that ourCambodian art is recognized," he said, adding that he was grateful toother Cambodian performers who had paved the way, as well as the support of theCambodian-American Heritage and Buddhist Society groups. Chum Ngek has released a CD ofPin Peat songs titled "Hom Rong." Classical "pinpeat" is associated with the Angkorian empire, and contemporaryrepertoires date back to the mid-19 Century, when then king AngDuon revived Khmer culture, including court music and dance.