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In 1940, my father and mother put me in
school for education. And during that time in
school I was also studying traditional music
from my father. Fascinated by music as a child,
I was escorted by police out of the Royal Palace
when I climbed over the wall to hear the music
better. The music I heard was only seen played
in the royal courts. Later, I was granted the
permission to study in classical music with
master musician in the royal courts. I wanted to
learn more in music and with this music I was
able to make a living at the time.
In 1950-1959, I graduated from school during the
French rule and was honor by the Royal Palace to
place me in the courts and teach music.
In 1962, I was able to record music with the
royal Cambodian dancer to be preserved in the
museum in Cambodia and in France. Recorded and
directed by (UNESCO) Sir Prunes from France.
For 2o years, I was still teaching in the
Royal Palace until 1970-1975 I was transfer to
become a teacher under the Royal University of
Fine Arts (RUFA). And under Pol Pot Regime, I
was no longer a teacher but became a slave
laborer for the Khmer Rouge.
My real name was Ek, Sam At. For the reason,
I change my name from Ek, Sam At to Ek, Son, it
saved my life. During the time of the Pol Pot
regime, I hide my real name from the Khmer Rouge
so that they cannot identify where I came from
and who I am. If they knew that I was an
instructor and a musician in the Royal Palace,
they would have already killed me and my family.
I could not even tell them that I was wealthy
and that I can offer them money to spare my
family and myself.
My current name today, I use Ek, Son. It was
the name that I could think of at the time I was
questioned by the Khmer Rouge. I told them that
I was a farmer. They did not believe me. They
then took me to the fields and told me to farm.
If I couldn’t do what I say I can, they will
execute me. Luckily, that garden I grow grew and
save my life. And thank god for this name, it
hides my identity and I was now a farmer instead
of a musician.
In 1979 – 2000, after the killing Field, I
became the most honor musician and took a
principal position in the RUFA approval by the
law of Cambodia Sec 66. March, 22 2000 signed
by Princess Preah Rhem Norodom, Bopha Thavy. Any
later became a Master of the Cambodian Classical
Music signed under by Mr. Sok, An on 4-7-2001,
Princess Preah Rhem Norodom Bopha Thavy
4-6-2001, and Mr. Sourn, Samnang 4-5-2001.
From 2001 – 2005, I became known and
recognized as the highest ranking musician in
the RUFA and in Cambodia. Today, I am lucky to
make it into America by the help of my family. I
have met with Master Pich Keo Sambath Pich in
2004 during his visit to the RUFA. I later found
out from him that he was related to one of my
teacher in the royal courts, Dr. Sourn Mar also
known a Los Sourn Mar. I have met with Master
Sambath in California where we both live and
soon we will be working together to preserve our
musical heritage. |
