"We need to require Cambodian songs in our competition," said Dr. Hang Rithyravuth, the 1st president of CPTA. "That will set us apart from other competitions," agreed the CPTA members around the table. But who could write such special arrangements for the first CPTA piano competition?

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In 2013, Dr. Johann Kim, the advisor for CPTA, was put to the historic task. Ram Daravong and other CPTA members collaborated by selecting Cambodian songs.

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So Dr. Kim arranged ten new piano pieces inspired by traditional Cambodian folk melodies and children's songs. Dr. Him Sophy, Cambodian composer, also added two pieces. Just a few months later, “Cambodian Songs for Piano (Vol. 1)” was published. This groundbreaking work offers Cambodian pianists and piano students a new way of expressing their beautiful culture. Moreover, pianists around the world can appreciate, enjoy, and perform wonderful Cambodian melodies.

 

Here are pieces from "Cambodian Songs for Piano" Vol.1 and Vol.2, as well as newer songs that are not yet published. CPTA continues to bridge Cambodia and classical piano music.