Carnegie in Cambodia: A virtuoso piano, a royal voice, and an exceptional tenor

Carnegie in Cambodia: The highly anticipated gala evening organized by Étoile Performing Arts took place this Saturday, April 4, at Koh Pich City Hall before a packed house. The event lived up to all its promises, blending world-renowned classical music, the discovery of restituted Khmer heritage, and generosity for the education of Cambodian children.

Princess Jenna Norodom, Julian Gargiulo, and Sethisak Khuon

The evening began with doors opening at 6:00 PM, allowing guests to explore the "Pithi – Objects of Ceremony" exhibition. Then, at 6:30 PM, the spotlights turned to the stage.

A virtuoso piano, a royal voice, and an exceptional tenor

At the piano, Julian Gargiulo, the Italian-American Steinway artist nicknamed "The Pianist with the Hair," delivered a brilliant performance. Known for his interpretations blending virtuosity, humor, and audience engagement, he transfigured classical works, brilliantly chaining pieces that took the audience on a journey. Each note seemed to tell a story, confirming why his recordings have captivated millions of listeners on streaming platforms.

Julian Gargiulo

By his side, Princess Norodom Jenna brought natural freshness and charisma. At just 14 years old, the princess—already an actress, singer, and dancer—performed several pieces with remarkable stage presence and a clear voice that captivated the audience.

Princess Jenna Norodom

But the surprise of the evening came from the third invited artist: Cambodian tenor Sethisak Khuon. A true ambassador of opera in the kingdom, trained in Moscow, Italy, and Berkeley, he made the hall vibrate with his powerful and moving voice. His interpretation of classical arias was met with a standing ovation, proof of his immense talent and the impact of his art.

Sethisak Khuon

"Pithi – Objects of Ceremony": Restituted heritage

Alongside the concert, guests could discover "Pithi – Objects of Ceremony," a unique exhibition presenting Khmer artifacts repatriated from the Douglas Latchford collection. Sandstone sculptures, ritual objects, ancient bronzes...

These treasures, returned to Cambodia by foreign museums and collectors, bear witness to the grandeur of the Angkorian Empire and the country's will to reconstitute its cultural heritage. The exhibition, co-organized by the National Museum of Cambodia, Edenbridge Asia, and Nataly Lee, with support from the Ministry of Culture and OCIC, offered a beautiful history lesson.

A charitable evening for education

Beyond the feast for the senses, "Carnegie in Cambodia" had a charitable purpose. All proceeds were donated to the Cambodia-Japan Friendship School and the NGO Il Nodo Cambodia, which trains youth in arts professions and traditional crafts. Thanks to the event's success—with a sold-out house—hundreds of children will benefit from educational programs and training.

Relive the evening on Cambodge Mag

For those who couldn't attend this magical evening or wish to relive it, Cambodge Mag has published on its Facebook page 6 videos and over 40 photos of the event. You'll find the concert's highlights, the exhibited works, and the warm atmosphere that prevailed at Koh Pich City Hall. A total immersion in this encounter between international music and Cambodian heritage.