KHMERASPORA

Apr 29, 2023 4PM Night Market - 5PM Performance (7PM Performance is SOLD OUT)

Eckart Preu, Conductor

praCh Ly,

This is a Free, community event presented by Long Beach Symphony. The evening will start at 4pm on the Long Beach Terrace Theater Plaza delighting participants in the enjoyable “Night Market” spirit. Take part in this event that includes a variety of foods for purchase, as well as entertainment, curated artistic installations on display in the theater lobby, and good fun. Two concerts will take place, at 5PM and 7PM as entertainment continues on the Plaza till 9PM.

Written and directed by the world-renowned Cambodian American rapper, praCh, KHMERASPORA is a musical performance that tells the Cambodian American experience. Featuring three world premieres by internationally renowned Cambodian composer, Chinary Ung, this artistic collaboration unites musicians from Long Beach Symphony conducted by Music Director Eckart Preu, and Cambodian instrumentalists, dancers, and singers. A documentary film by award-winning filmmaker Caylee So memorializes the project and videographer Robert Chhaing-Carleton’s video will ensure that KHMERASPORA has a global presence and impact.

Artistic Partners

Eckart Preu, conductor

Musicians of Long Beach Symphony

praCh Ly, writer, producer, director, performer

Chinary Ung, composer

Mea Lath, dance choreographer

Chhom Nimol, singer

Chrysanthe Tan, violinist

Kaitlyn Mady, flutist

Kalean Ung, actress

Modern Apsara, Cambodian dancer ensemble

Ho Chan Ensemble, Cambodian instrumentalists

REVIEWS!

”praCh‘s incendiary tales of Cambodia’s past, told in the defiant tones of rap, hit Phnom Penh like a B-52 bombing raid.” – NEWSWEEK

”praCh is breaking the taboos by telling young Cambodians about the darkest chapter of their country’s history.” – LOS ANGELES TIMES

”Everyone wants to express themselves like him, but they’re afraid. In Cambodia, no one would dare say what he say. It’s inspirational.”– CNN

“praCh is phenomenal! He’s smart, raw, talented, inspired. praCh is a treasure to our community.” – LOUNG UNG

“I love it!”– ANGELINA JOLIE

“Authentic, unapologetic, raw lyrics. It’s unadulterated rap – I love it” – MARK COLE, BBC

“powerful musical condemnation of the Cambodian genocide” – AMERICA.gov

“It’s clear that his experience in both Cambodia and the United States have shaped his style, and sound which he crafted brilliantly.” – TheWORLD.org

This program is part of Long Beach Symphony’s Musical Bridges, a community engagement initiative that celebrates the artistry of the many diverse communities in Long Beach through free, collaborative multicultural performances.

Eckart Preu, Conductor

Maestro Eckart Preu (Eck-art Proy) began his tenure as Music Director of Long Beach Symphony in 2017 and has already made a strong impression on the city of Long Beach, surrounding regions, and with critics for his programming and dynamic stage presence. Critics, the orchestra, and audiences alike have celebrated his ability to …