The Water Festival in Battambang: Phare Ponleu Selpak’s role in cultural revitalization

by Clémence DEVILLE | Oct 14, 2024

At the heart of Khmer mythology there is a fascinating legend: the union between the Indian prince Kaundinya and the Naga princess Soma. Thousands of years ago, Cambodia was an island occupied by the Naga, half-human, half-serpent creatures, venerated as the...

Phare Alumni Success Story: Meet LY Vanthan, the Music Pop Star of Cambodia

by CHIERN Piseth Samphallyka | May 9, 2024

It is always a joy to get to interview Vanthan, the music alumni from the Performing Arts School of Phare Ponleu Selpak Vanthan is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, record producer, and instrumentalist. The well-known singer of “Khmer Gentleman” at Baramey...

Meet the Volunteers of Phare Ponleu Selpak: Olivia AUDO, Communications & Marketing Intern

by CHIERN Piseth Samphallyka | Feb 15, 2024

At Phare Ponleu Selpak, we are fortunate to work with volunteers and interns from across Cambodia and around the world. It’s one of the best parts of being on our team – you get to form friendships and meet people from everywhere! This week we’re proud to interview...

The Top 5 Videos on the New Phare Ponleu Selpak TikTok Profile

by Eliot Witherspoon | Nov 1, 2023

Did you know that Phare Ponleu Selpak has a TikTok account? Yep, you’ve been missing out this whole time!  You might have already seen us on your “For You” page, but in case you haven’t, our new TikTok channel has got everything from interviews to “day in the life”...

Vanthan’s Story: How a Phare Music Student Rose to National Stardom

by CHIERN Piseth Samphallyka | Oct 5, 2023

LY Vanthan – better known today as just “Vanthan” – is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, record producer, and instrumentalist. You probably know him as the musician behind “Khmer Gentleman,” but did you know that Vanthan is also a graduate of Phare Ponleu Selpak?  ...

Podcast: Hope of Lokru Srey Bandaul, the Smiling Hero

by ppsa | Aug 16, 2023

Earlier this month, on 4 August 2023, was the commemoration of two years since the passing of Lokru Srey Bandaul, one of the beloved teachers and co-founders of Phare Ponleu Selpak. We remember the great meaning, purpose, and vision he gave to the Phare Ponleu Selpak...

Catch up on Everything You Missed From the S’Art Urban Art Festival 2019!

by ppsa | Oct 10, 2019

The quiet streets of Battambang came to life with concerts, workshops, exhibitions, mural paintings and the Giant Puppet Parade between May 28 and June 1 for the first edition of the S’Art Urban Art Festival. The S’Art Urban Art Festival was a big step towards...

Help Phare Ponleu Selpak Raise $75,000 for a Much-Needed New Music School

by ppsa | Aug 13, 2019

In 2014, a section of the old music school fell apart, and for safety reasons the whole building had to be destroyed. Since they don’t have any dedicated space to learn and create, our young musicians find themselves forced to train and perform anywhere they can find...