Festival

illustration by Maylee Keo

From May 23 to 25, 2025, at the Place des Arts, Montreal transforms into a vibrant hub of Cambodian culture with the launch of the Saison du Cambodge Festival, organized by Connexion Champa.

The festival aims to celebrate Cambodia's rich heritage through culture, art, music, history, culinary delights and dance. The highlight of the event is Bangsokol: a requiem for Cambodia, a moving performance combining a live orchestra and choir. The performance is a requiem for Cambodia - a country with a tragic past - intended to honor the resilience of its people.

As part of the festival, there will be a retro soirée honoring the golden age of Cambodian music and dance. In addition, culinary experiences will allow Montrealers to discover the rich and vibrant flavours of Cambodian cuisine.

Main Event

Saturday, May 24th, 2025

Bangsokol: A Requiem for Cambodia

Immerse yourself in the emotions of Bangsokol, a moving performance combining an orchestra and choir, created by Rithy Panh and Him Sophy to honor the memory of the millions lost in the Cambodian genocide fifty years ago.

Before the performance, there will be royal classical ballet and musical performances, a display of traditional costumes, a Buddhist ceremony and a series of speeches to enrich this moment of remembrance and solidarity.

Schedule

5pm: Doors open and guests are welcomed at the Théatre Maisonneuve situated in the Place des Arts
5:30pm: Opening speech by Mettaya
6pm: Khmer classical dance with La danse des souhaits: Robam Chhoun Por
6:20pm: Traditional orchestra (band) and fashion show (27 models) with traditional Cambodian clothing and costumes
7:30pm: Bangsokol show

Exclusive Activities During Happy Hour

Buddhist monks to offer blessings
Artistic performance by artist Dina Sok
Tattoos by artist Mary Linn Chev
360-degree glam photo session
Exhibition of artistic works by Asian artists

TICKET

Other Events

Friday, May 23rd 2025

The Golden Age of Cambodia

Get out your best retro outfits or traditional Khmer clothing and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this legendary era! The opening night celebrates the glamour and excitement of Cambodia in the 50s and 60s, a period marked by a thriving music scene and iconic style.

Enjoy refined Khmer bites by Top Chef Canada winner Chanthy Yen and signature cocktails in a festive setting reminiscent of Phnom Penh's lively nights at its peak.

Schedule

6pm: Doors open and guests are welcomed to Salon Urbain situated in the Place des Arts
6:30pm-7:30pm: Opening ceremony and unveiling of the complete program for FESTIVAL CHAMPA 2025
7pm-11pm: Asian retro party from with music from the 50s and 60s with DJ iWonder and DJ Parker Mah, Animation by Gino Deca

Non-stop Activities From 6pm to 11pm

Literary tour and photo exhibition
Asian wellness sessions
Red carpet & Photobooth
Meet & greet with surprise guests
Exhibition of paintings by artists FONki, Bryan Beyung, and their guests

VIP TICKET

Sunday, May 25th, 2025

50 Years On: The Future of the Diaspora

The day begins with Chanthy Yen's signature brunch at Tiramisu. Reservations will be made possible via the Tiramisu website. Details will be announced shortly.

In the afternoon, a workshop on professional development for artists and a youth round table moderated by sexologist Kanica Saphan will take place. This will be followed by a closing session.

In the evening, a DJSoria.wav set will follow to showcase the diverse talents of the Cambodian community. Food will be available on site. The festival is sure to come to a spectacular end, celebrating the strength of a nation that honors the past while looking to the future!

Schedule

1pm: Doors open and guests are welcomed to Salon Urbain situated in the Place des Arts
1:30pm-2:30pm: Showcase of Asian figures in media *guests to be announced
4:30pm-5:30pm: Youth roundtable with Kanica (sexology expert)
6pm-11pm: Closing Ceremony, BNC presenting partner of the closing evening - Animation and Gino Deca
Professionalization workshop for artists
Showcase and open MIC Asian special edition Festival Champa 2025 with Claudia CHAN TAK, Rich LY and Nay Theam DJ Soria.wav

explore on place des arts

Tickets
‍

REGULAR TICKET

Between $68.69 and $93.98 (taxes and fees included)
Saturday, May 24th, 2025 at 7:30pm
Place des Arts: Théâtre Maisonneuve
This includes:
• Happy Hour from 5pm to 7pm with live entertainment featuring exclusive performances
• Access to the show Bangsokol : A Requiem for Cambodia

BUY TICKET

VIP TICKET - GOLD BRACELET
$200

Three-day access
‍*Limited quantity*

Bites, cocktails, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available daily

The ticket allows access to the following :

• Guaranteed access to the 50s-60s retro party on Friday evening
• Guaranteed access to the VIP cocktail party on Saturday
• A seat in the reserved section for the Bangsokol: A Requiem for Cambodia show on Saturday
• Guaranteed access to the 80s-90s-2000s throwback party on Saturday evening
• Discounts with our partners (including the Champa Culinary Circuit, i.e. various Asian restaurants in Greater Montreal and surrounding areas, partner bars, etc.) *details to come*
• Hotel discount near Place des Arts
• Thank-you gifts and surprises throughout the festival
• Acknowledgement on our website as the first supporter of Connexion Champa

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*Non-refundable and non-exchangeable, final sale.