Dear friends of music

I welcome you all to the first edition of EUROPEAN MUSIC CULTURES

As a key element of Europe’s cultural diversity, “European Music Cultures” will focus on different themes each year.

This year, the program features Ukrainian composers in the realm of their Eastern European contemporaries.

We throw light on the Ukrainian musical heritage that contains various components of Western and Eastern music civilizations. It also includes very strong Slavic and Christian elements that are present in modern Ukraine.

Our future is an increasingly differentiated plurality in arts. This three day’s of music celebration should be a small contribution to it, an extremely valuable contribution to today’s turbulent world.

Anton Isselhardt
Artistic Director

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Dear Ladies and Gentlemen

It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the first season of EUROPEAN MUSIC CULTURES.

As the world entered the modern age in the 20th century, global cultural interaction has increased. It is no wonder that the development of music has been influenced by the combination of so many unique elements from all over the world. In our global society, cultural exchange has continually been taking place everywhere. However, behind European developments there are also many transcultural aspects that remind us of similar tendencies in our cultures that need to be revived and explored more thoroughly. Reflecting our mutual interest in diverse cultural forms, the programme includes music by the Cambodian composer, Bosba Panh, who is influenced by French expressionism and European sacred music,

I strongly hope that EUROPEAN MUSIC CULTURES will continue to be an essential part of our cultural life as well as a stimulus to cultural exchange.

Phoeurng Sackona
Minister of Culture and Fine Arts

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Dear music lovers,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 1st edition of the European Music Cultures in in Phnom Penh. As our shared and diverse European music traditions are at the core of our cultural identity, the Delegation of the EU is delighted to support this 1st edition, with the hope that it can become a yearly cultural event that brings European classical music to an ever wider local audience. We are confident that it will be a worthy continuation of the previous International Music Festival, which we also supported throughout its 20 editions.

This year’s edition will be a journey through the rich tapestry of Ukraine’s musical heritage, exploring the unique blend of Western and Eastern music traditions with Slavic and Christian elements. Being an integral part of our European family, Ukraine has long been a cradle of musical excellence, nurturing many renowned musicians and composers, and contributing significantly to the vibrant and strong music traditions of Europe.

I hope music lovers in Cambodia will come together to enjoy the program that the Festival Director Anton Isselhart has selected for us, as we delve into this celebration of Ukrainian classical music.

Igor Driesmans
Ambassador of the European Union to Cambodia

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I am delighted to welcome you all to the first European Music Cultures Festival.

As this festival sheds a light on the Ukrainian musical heritage, let us appreciate the role music plays bringing people together in difficult times.

The ongoing aggression against Ukraine strongly underscores the importance of unity and freedom in our current world.

Music can have the unique power to unite people’s souls and hearts. Therefore, I am delighted that this festival not only honors the art of music, but also supports Ukraine and eastern Europe uncovering their unique music traditions that are closely intertwined with its Western neighbors. Finally, this is also supporting everyone’s imagination.

May this festival contribute to fostering mutual understanding and respect and remind us that music can transcend barriers of diverse cultures and may support humanity in its purest form.

Let us stand united in our pursuit for a world in peace and harmony.

Stefan Messerer
Ambassador
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Cambodia