CLA graduate, Srey Pov, Smot chanter, performs with the Houston Grand Opera

In April, we posted this article about Srey Pov, one of CLA’s most talented Smot (an ancient form of chanted poetry) students who flew to the US to take participate in a project with the Houston Grand Opera. She played one of the lead characters in their opera New Arrivals, performing in several venues in Houston, Texas, between June 16 and 23, 2012. The show mixed traditional Cambodian forms with classical western opera, and was a great success.

New Arrivals tells the story of Yani Rose Keo’s journey from Cambodia to Houston as a refugee. It explores issues refugees face in adapting to a new life in a foreign city, and the sense of community that develops between them.

Catherine Filloux’s libretto was widely acknowledged for its quality, “leaving the audience with a craving to give back to any person or community in need”. Composer John Glover harmonized instruments and vocals originating from different cultures, creating a visceral, moving atmosphere. The Broadway World newspaper concludes that New Arrivals “is a sensational new opera that will hopefully be performed many more times around the world, presenting a story that deserves to be told, received, and appreciated”.

Click here to read the full article by the Broadway World newspaper.
Click here to learn more about Srey Pov.
Click here to learn more about Houston Grand Opera.