WOMAD

Meng Pichenda

From Cambodia

The 25 year old superstar of Cambodia’s music industry, Meng (surname) sings ‘phlang ka’ songs usually accompanied by an orchestra of traditional woodwind, string and percussion instruments.  From a well-known musical family, Meng began singing at age 6 and at age 11, won the prestigious National Singing Competition.  Since then she has performed countless concerts, including an annual one at the Royal Palace in celebration of King Norodom Sihanouk’s birthday, toured constantly throughout Cambodia, France, the USA and Australia, and recorded over 50 CDs.  Meng’s pure voice and stage presence, in lavish Khmer costume, makes her concerts a memorable experience for all. For Womadelaide 2001, Meng will perform solo, accompanied by Khmer violinist, Ieng Sithul. Dec 2000