Three generations of Chapei Dang Veng performers came together at Sorya Market in Phnom Penh yesterday to celebrate the sixth anniversary of the traditional Cambodian musical instrument, which was inducted into UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2016.

A group of singers from different age groups performed and taught the audiences how to play the basics of Chapei Dang Veng.

The event attracted around 100 people who even tried their hands at the instrument.

The 22 young performers of the day were seen encouraging the attendees to attend the Chapei Dang Veng tutorial made available in the event to promote Chapei Dang Veng in the community.

Pich Sarath, director of the Community of Living Chapei, who hosted the event, said that while three came forward to learn Chapei Dang Veng in 2016, now more than 200 students are learning Chapei Dang Veng, which is a good sign.

“UNESCO did not want Chapei Dang Veng to disappear from the world. That is why the traditional Cambodian musical instrument was included in its List of Urgent Safegaurding. We should do everything to preserve it and lift it from the UNESCO Safeguarding list to Representative List in the future,” Sarath added.

Sarath added that he offers free classes every Saturday and Sunday from 5pm to 6pm at Sorya Market for anyone who wants to learn to play the Chapei Dang Veng.

“I also have online class to teach people from remote areas across the Kingdom and music enthusiasts from China, USA, Australia, and Japan. I am trying my best to disseminate Chapei Dang Veng in the society and I hope more and more people love and support Chapei Dang Veng.”

Pov Reaksmey Panhavon, a 15-year-old singer who attended the event said he was so happy to join experienced performers of Chapei Dang Veng.

“As many students are interested in Chapei Dang Veng, I think it will be great if Chapei Dang Veng is included in the school curriculum,” Reaksmey Panhavon said.

He added, “Chapei Dang Veng looks similar to a guitar and I want to see it gaining popularity like the guitar.”

Soy Dychheny, another attendee, said that it was mesmerising to see the mix of three generation Chapei Dang Veng singers.

“It was a big surprise to see the group performance of 30 Chapei Dang Veng singers in the event. I will attend Chapei Dang Veng class every weekend with Chapei Dang Veng community to lift Khmer cultural heritage which is now in UNESCO’s urgent safeguarding list,” Dychheny said.