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Air Force Strings Hit Diplomatic "GRAND SLAM" In Cambodia

  • Published
  • By Maj. David Alpar and Master Sgt. Bryce Bunner
PHNOM PENH --  Members of the Air Force Strings recently traveled to the Kingdom of Cambodia at the invitation of the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh, recreating a concert presented by The United States Air Force Band in May of 1956.  The Air Force String Quartet, alongside two young professional Cambodian musicians, performed works by Gershwin, Barber and Mozart, as well as four distinctive pieces composed in the 1950's by the late King Norodom Sihanouk.

U.S. Ambassador William A. Heidt hosted King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk at the gala concert on May 8, 2016. Included in the audience were several Cambodian cabinet ministers, ambassadors from several European, African, Middle East and Southeast Asian nations, as well as numerous other diplomatic and military dignitaries. 

The concert celebrated the strong ties between the two nations and was "truly a very special event," according to Heidt, who likened the concert to a diplomatic "grand slam" for the embassy.  "The Air Force Band musicians were terrific, and developed a real bond with the Cambodian performers." 

Major General Mark Dillon, Pacific Air Forces Vice Commander, also lauded the diplomatic success of the historic concert, which he said "clearly advanced relations between our countries and promoted even stronger ties with the Cambodian people and their leaders."

The musicians closed the concert with a surprise encore honoring the beloved Cambodian Queen Mother on the occasion of Mother's Day. The poignant short piece "Monica," composed by her husband over 60 years ago, brought the monarch and audience to tears. Major David Alpar, Director of Operations for the Band, served as emcee for the concert. He noted, "It was a very special moment for everyone in attendance. Many Cambodians hadn't seen the Queen Mother in public for almost 20 years."   

While in Cambodia, the Air Force musicians also had the opportunity to perform two Advancing Innovation Through Music, or AIM, education outreach concerts for over 200 students at the Don Bosco Technical School for Girls and Wat Koh High School in Phnom Penh. The String Quartet was honored both to share the stage with musicians from the Royal Cambodian Army Band at the Don Bosco concert and to introduce the enthusiastic audiences to western classical music. Many of the students were hearing classical music, such as Beethoven, for the first very time.  The Air Force musicians also had the privilege of a cultural exchange session with performers of traditional Cambodian music at the Royal University of Fine Arts.

Alpar added, "Not only was this trip historic, it clearly demonstrated how the State Department and Department of Defense (U.S. Air Force) can work together to advance our national security strategy. This was a huge win for both agencies and I hope we've made a lasting impact in Cambodia."

The Air Force String Quartet members included violinists Master Sgt. Mari Washington, Master Sgt. Luke Wedge, violist Master Sgt. Bryce Bunner and cellist Technical Sgt. Christine Lightner.  The Air Force Strings perform regularly and extensively in Washington, D.C. and across the nation at diplomatic events, public concerts, and education outreach clinics.