Malis was thrilled to host an exclusive concert featuring Cambodia’s leading soprano, 19-year-old Bosba Panh, on July 27. This was the first time Bosba has performed in Cambodia in four years after she left to expand her music studies in the United States. 

100 invited guests dressed up specially to enjoy the extraordinary event, which featured not only Bosba, but also the widely-acclaimed Cambodian composer Dr Ung Chinary, renowned Thai jazz pianist Saksri Pang Vongtaradon, and musicians from the Nirmita Composers Insitute, founded by Dr Chinary to help foster and support emerging musical talents, in particular composers from across the region. 

The musicians performed compositions by Dr Chinary as well as one of Bosba’s own compositions for a string quartet. The young musician, best-known in Cambodia for her interpretations of traditional folk songs, and songs for life — pleng cheewit, has evolved and now considers herself more of a composer than a singer.

She is currently in her first year at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where she is studying for her Bachelors in composition. Like her parents, she hopes to continue her studies to Doctoral level. Bosba has already composed more than 30 pieces, some while she was as young as 16. 

Bosba’s performance at Malis is part of an ongoing relationship between the performer and the restaurants founded by Cambodian Masterchef Luu Meng, both of whom are acknowledged ambassadors of Cambodian culture. The relationship goes back to 2009, when they organised a special concert in support of Cambodian Master artists, and the 2011 concert at Angkor Wat, which was catered by Luu Meng. He was thrilled to welcome Bosba back. “We’re honoured to be part of this celebration,” he said. “It’s part of a story that goes back a long way and a strong part of our mission to promote Khmer culture.” 

Held in support of the Angkor Hospital for Children, we’re so happy that the performance raised almost $2000 for their vital work.