Two newly inaugurated songwriter festivals are shining a spotlight on Cambodia’s rich musical culture while raising vital funds for underprivileged children to access free arts education. The first, Siem Reap Songwriters Festival, recently concluded with resounding success; the second, Phnom Penh Songwriters Festival, is currently underway through Sunday. Both support Sunshine School — a charity music and arts school run by Kids on the Bridge — which offers free Khmer music, dance, language and academic classes to children from low-income families in Siem Reap.
Honouring Cambodia’s cultural legacy through song and dance
At the heart of the festivals lies a deep respect for Cambodia’s living musical traditions. The Siem Reap edition featured talented Sunshine School students performing traditional Khmer dance and song — an opportunity to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage within younger generations.
These cultural performances were complemented by contemporary songwriter concerts, showcasing both local and international talent. A young newcomer, 14-year-old Millie, delivered her debut performance, while more established artists contributed with mature songwriting and music. The blend of tradition and modernity spoke to the universality and timelessness of music as a language that transcends borders.
Music for a cause: Education, opportunity, hope
The festivals are more than just musical showcases — they are fundraisers with heart. The Siem Reap Songwriters Festival alone raised over a million riel in donations, with funds directed entirely to Sunshine School.
Sunshine School was born out of humble beginnings. During the Covid-19 pandemic, homeless and street children in Siem Reap had no access to schooling; what began as nightly meals and spontaneous guitar sessions evolved into a dedicated charity school. Founded by American musician Kevin Sysyn under the banner of Kids on the Bridge, the first class began with just 15 students — today the school has grown to educate nearly 200 children.
Thanks to generous donations and the support of music-loving communities, Sunshine School offers free classes in Khmer, English, music, dance, computer skills, and even environmental education — equipping children with the knowledge, creativity, and opportunities to build brighter futures.
Phnom Penh festival extends reach — global songwriters join in
The Phnom Penh Songwriters Festival extends the mission, bringing together songwriters and performers from around the world. Among this year’s lineup are young rising stars such as 18-year-old Ysabel Rubis and veteran festival-organiser Brett Perkins, whose decades-long career as a songwriter and community-building musician has given rise to similar charitable festivals across several countries.
By combining international artistic collaboration with grassroots social impact, the festival underscores a belief shared by organisers: music is more than performance — it is a bridge between cultures, a force for community and a pathway out of poverty for vulnerable children.
A call for continued support and participation
Organisers of both festivals urge the public, local businesses and music lovers at home and abroad to support Sunshine School’s mission. Donations and attendance at the concerts directly contribute to sustaining free education for children who otherwise lack access. As Kevin Sysyn noted, every ticket sold and every donation made helps feed, clothe, educate — and give hope to — children once forced to sleep on the streets.
In a time when Cambodia’s music scene is evolving rapidly, the Songwriters Festivals remind us of the strength of tradition, the power of art to transform lives and the responsibility of community to nurture its children.
Contact & Further Information:
For festival schedules, tickets, and artist line-ups, please visit the official Facebook and Instagram pages of Siem Reap Songwriters Festival and Phnom Penh Songwriters Festival.
To support Sunshine School directly, please visit kidsonthebridge.org — every donation counts, every child matters.
