One Park Courtyard Gardens, a people-friendly urban oasis in the heart of downtown Phnom Penh, hosted performances by much-loved classical musicians from around the world.

The latest in a series of exuberant lifestyle events free for all, the “Touch The Nature” outdoor concert on Saturday was aimed at highlighting the bloom of a new cultural and artistic district in Phnom Penh.

Accomplished musicians presented a show of new music performed on traditional ancient instruments, including the ‘Hang drum’, a steel pan drum played by hand derived from the traditional Caribbean steel drum, the ‘Xun’, a globular vessel flute made from clay, and the ‘Shakuhachi’, a large traditional Chinese and Japanese flute made from bamboo, and the ‘Bansuri’ flute, an ancient Indian bamboo and metal flute.

The first performance of its kind in Cambodia, the concert offered pure soul-healing hymns and resonant meditations. The abstract zen rhythms mesmerized the audience at the One Park Courtyard Gardens.

Visiting international musician Juan Siblesz said that he has performed in several countries around the world, but this was the group’s first time playing in Cambodia.

He and his fellow musicians aim to show the influence of traditional and ancient music meeting the sounds of nature.

“The music is original, and many people have never heard anything quite like it before. Many around the world have been moved by the one-of-a-kind show.

“It is a new and unique kind of music that has not been performed before anywhere, simply because it combines Khmer, Japanese, Chinese and Korean traditional music and instruments.

“Putting the show together was a new experience for me because I had the opportunity to perform natural music along with unfamiliar traditional Khmer instruments,” he said.

“In the past, I’ve performed with Chinese and Japanese classical instrumentalists, but never with Cambodian classical musicians.  So, this was the best opportunity I’ve had to learn something new,” Juan added.

Zhi Peng Chen, another musician participating in the show, explained that, for more than 20 years, the natural form of music has been studied by his team. The group focuses on Chinese, Japanese and Korean classical instruments that harmonize together beautifully and in a melodious way.

Chen’s group has performed all the songs in the repertoire in China and Europe. This performance was the first opportunity they had to perform in Cambodia, he said.

“We were unable to perform during the Covid-19 epidemic. Now I hope that the traditional music we are performing here helps relieve the audience of physical and mental anxieties. I hope everyone enjoyed the performance,” he said.

Chen added the melodies in the performance express a powerful desire for peace and unity between different nations.

It is also a new cultural exchange between Khmer and Chinese cultures, as well as the culture of other nations.

“Together, we are seeking world peace,” Zhi said.

One Park is a project to establish the first green and ecological oasis ever in Phnom Penh. The park creates a natural living community for the public to enjoy nature and cultural events outdoors in the middle of downtown Phnom Penh.

One Park introduces a new global standard for a luxury holiday resort and residence. The core value of a residence comes out best in the quality of life available immediately outside the home.

One Park is focused on creating a pleasing ambience of harmony, comfort and convenience. The residence brings sport, leisure, entertainment and dining together in a natural and peaceful environment. Living life on holiday becomes an everyday routine for residents to indulge and enjoy.