It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this year’s International Music Festival, spotlighting female composers.

Our country’s tradition of female artists is substantial. In the earliest eras of Cambodia’s history. Mohaori music was traditionally performed by women at the royal court.

In the 1940s, Queen Sisowath Kossomak re-created the Dance of the Apsara Divinities and her granddaughter, Princess Norodom Buppha Devi, became the first professional Apsara dancer of the modern era.

The composition by Bosba Panh, “ Ici, le jour se lève,” will be premiered at the festival, demonstrating the ongoing success of Cambodia’s female artists.

I strongly hope that this year's festival will become a milestone of our cultural history in terms of appreciation and encouragement of Cambodian female composers.

Phoeurng Sackona
Minister of Culture and Fine Arts

I am delighted that the European Union Delegation is able to support for the 9th consecutive year the International Music Festival in Phnom Penh organized by the Art plus Foundation and Mr Anton Isselhardt.

I am thrilled that this year's festival shed light on the great achievements of major European women composers, often excluded and unsung heroes of Classical music. By showcasing their remarkable talents, the event helps raise awareness that a more inclusive, tolerant and fair society can only benefit us all.

As a woman ambassador in a male-majority profession, this festival celebrating the genius and virtuosity of European women composers is particularly close to my heart.

The music offered will enable the public to experience a significant part of Europe's cultural heritage and provide a platform for many to discover new facets of classical music.

I am convinced that it is the contact between our peoples and knowledge of each other’s culture that could contribute the most to strengthen the relation between Cambodia and Europe. I wish everyone involved - the outstanding performers, passionate organizers and enthusiastic listeners - great success for this year's excellent series of concerts.

Carmen Moreno
Ambassador of the European Union to Cambodia

Dear music enthusiasts,

Welcome to the 16th International Music Festival Phnom Penh, with the festival’s theme of European Female Composers.

This year, the event coincides with the celebration of the 200th birth anniversary of famous German composer and pianist Clara Schumann. As a star of the 19th century, she was able to shape her musical era like no other female artist.

Clara Schumann and her female colleagues represented in the festivities persisted through history. Their lifetime achievements are still an inspiration for development through equality today.

I would ask you to let yourself fall into the music of these brilliant female composers, who overcame the impossible.

Christian Berger,
Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Kingdom of Cambodia

Heinrich Böll Foundation is happy to support this year’s series of concerts with a special focus on female composers.

There's lots of long overdue discussion about the roles of women in classical music and their contribution to it. Although no one can seriously deny that music is historically dominated by men we should not overlook the remarkable number of women who contributed to the development of music in so many ways.

Through this year’s concert let us praise the female composers of the past and appreciate women composers writing new music now and let us encourage those who compose in the future. Thus we will help keep these women’s names and their music alive.

Ali Al Nasani
Country Director
Heinrich Boell Stiftung
Cambodia

Dear art lovers,

Art is more than just self-expression and self-realization; it allows us to escape into the refuge of our fantasy, to leave behind the stress of the modern-day world. It defines us as individuals and makes us better people.

META HOUSE 3.0 a new chapter for the
Cambodian - German Cultural Center

Located in the heart of Cambodia’s capital Meta House 3.0 boasting over 400 square meters of event space, the Cambodian-German Cultural Center comprises a gallery / workshop / multi-function room / a stage for music performances, a full bar with open-air-seating, a language school with two film screening rooms, a library and a rooftop terrace restaurant that features Cambodian and German delicacies. Here in Phnom Penh, the location showcases a unique blend of art, education, social engagement and hospitality.

I wish you all exciting festival days
Nico Mesterharm, Director

Dear music lovers,

Welcome to the 16th International Music Festival spotlighting “European Female Composers.”

A long time ago, Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) a German Benedictine abbess, writer, and philosopher composed sacred vocal music. From the 13th century on, Cambodian nuns practiced the oldest form of Theravada Buddhist chant, called ‘Smot’.

Futhermore the musical program shows a wide range of European woman composers from the 19th and 20th century, whose diverse origins came from different musical period.

Along with the musical pleasure, the festival invites a review of the artistic aspects in their social, cultural, and historical context ? a reflection of their epoche.

Please come and listen what these female composers have to say through their music.

Anton Isselhardt
Festival Directorbr