King Norodom Sihamoni and his love for Arts

Today is an auspicious day for Cambodia with their King, His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni, celebrating his 68th birthday. The King is much loved by his subjects for he has the welfare of the people at heart and does whatever he needs to do in all quietness with boundless financial generosity, mingle with people and strives to maintain peace and stability in the Kingdom.

King Norodom Sihamoni is the son of His Majesty Norodom Sihanouk, former King of Cambodia and Her Majesty Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk. King Sihamoni’s selection was endorsed by Prime Minister Hun Sen and National Assembly Speaker Prince Norodom Ranariddh (King’s brother), both members of the throne council.

His Majesty is known for his warm disposition and welcoming smile. Across the Kingdom, the King is revered and respected. He looks out for his people through philanthropy works or boosting local arts especially in rural areas particularly ballet and arts which is close to his heart. He supports his people by doing community work, especially in the rural areas to help them in their daily lives.

The Kingi is mesmerised by these form of arts and cultural traditions. He studied in Prague, completed his elementary and secondary education in the country and as he loves art, he studied classical dance and music at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague in 1975. He also used to teach ballet when he moved to France in 1981. He also worked as a professor of Classical dance and formed his own dance troupe called Ballet Deva, choreographed their performances and also made two films – dance being its theme. And later was appointed as the President of the Khmer Dance Association. Art and dance have been in existence since the human race was born. Art has different form and is connected with every person living on earth one way or the other.

Nevertheless, Cambodia’s art, dance and culture stand out in the crowd. The Apsaras have a great impact on Cambodian culture. Their elegance, dance forms, hand gestures infused with emotive symbolism, the dancers evoke the spectrum of human emotions from the silent language of the Apsaras, all this fascinates anyone who sees it for the first time.

Even though he is the King of Cambodia, his love for art and cultural dance is never ending which portrays in his humble nature. He graciously carries out his duties with dedication and lives a simple life.

As the King of Cambodia, His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni makes regular trips to Cambodia’s provinces to meet under-privileged communities and helps to launch projects which will benefit the people’s lives. He is known to be the symbol of Cambodia’s tradition. Sok Chan, a resident in Phnom Penh said: “His Majesty is a symbol of unity, solidarity and glory of Cambodia. He has served the nation countlessly since he became the King in 2004. He has always participated in all humanitarian activities, giving donation to his people who struggle in natural catastrophes. He always contributed by sharing his resources to provide humanitarian aid to the Cambodian government, to fight against the COVID-19 disease. He participated in solving both social and political issues to ensure the Kingdom has full peace, prosperity and development.”

Van Roeun, a writer in Phnom Penh told Khmer Times about his personal experience with the King. He said that since taking the throne, His Majesty the King has always gone down to villages where the impoverished villagers have lived and given them some donations. He always stays close to them as cool shade.

“I could say he is very humble and kind in his heart. Few years ago when I was riding my motorbike to work, I happened to see him coming to a small NGO helping the orphans on a narrow road. First I did not believe my eyes that was him because I did not see lots of cars or the stretch of the street being blocked. However, when I passed by the small compound, that was the King indeed, speaking to children of the orphanage,” said Roeun.

“His Majesty the King has been instrumental in pushing the Kingdom’s arts scene at home and abroad. He is an inspiration to everyone, especially artists. He is the one who usually participates in the arts and culture events. His presence has encouraged artists and performers to try their best to improve their skills. One of the biggest moment is that he always presided over the boat racing every year when hundreds of thousands of people flocked to Phnom Penh to see boat races. This showcases that His Majesty the King is instrumental to culture promotion. I could say that his heart is fully fond of arts and culture,” he added.

Ravynn Karet-Coxen, the founder of ‘The Nginn Karet Foundation for Cambodia’ and ‘The Sacred Dancers of Angkor’ the first and only spiritual dance troupe in Cambodia said, “I was very honoured when the Sacred Dancers and musicians were presented to HM King Sihamoni for the first time in 2009 where they performed at Chanchhaya Hall in the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh but our most important memory is when we dedicated a spiritual rite Buong Suong at the Royal Casket of “Preah Karuna Preah Norodom Sihanouk Preah Borom Ratanakkot” in the presence of HM King Sihamoni, Queen Mother and Members of the Royal family on the 19th November 2012.”

“We also received HM blessing at the Palace before we went on our six weeks USA Tour in the autumn 2013 where we also as every year offered a moving Remembrance Buong Suong for Late King Father but also in the frame of our unique spiritual training every year we dedicate a celebration Buong Suong for HM King Sihamoni Birthday, commemoration of King Sihamoni coronation, celebration blessing for Queen Mother’s Birthday. We are deeply grateful, honoured and blessed to receive the unwavering support of HM King Sihamoni not only as our Monarch but as the Greatest Protector of the Arts with the deepest knowledge of dance and music. We are all treasuring HM Preface, a lasting testimony, in the important book of George Groslier Cambodian Dancers Ancient and Modern.

We are wishing Good Health and Long life to our most Spiritual August King,” Ravynn added.