09/16/2026
If you are in the area, we hope you can attend this special free collaborative event!
For quick reference, the registration event is here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-american-tapestry-the-cambodian-spirit-tickets-2000030584317
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Orchestra on the Hill Launches “An American Tapestry,” Celebrating the Cultural Legacy of Immigrants in America Inaugural concert, “An American Tapestry: The Cambodian Spirit,” brings together musicians, dancers, storytellers, and cultural leaders to celebrate Cambodia’s artistic heritage and spirit of resilience Ipswich, MA — The Orchestra on the Hill is proud to announce the launch of An American Tapestry, a new annual concert series celebrating the extraordinary cultural legacy that immigrants have woven into the fabric of American life.
Each year, An American Tapestry will bring The Orchestra on the Hill together with artists, cultural organizations, and members of a particular immigrant community to explore its music, traditions, stories, and artistic heritage. Through original orchestral music and multidisciplinary collaboration, the Series will celebrate the richness of American culture as a tapestry created from countless traditions and experiences from around the world.
Our inaugural presentation, An American Tapestry: The Cambodian Spirit, is a unique collaboration among Angkor Dance Troupe of Lowell; Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Lowell; and Cambodian Living Arts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The concert explores the evocative mythology that underlies Cambodia’s traditional Creation Story, blending Apsara dance, traditional Cambodian music, storytelling, and original orchestral compositions. Through it, audiences will experience the larger story of Cambodia itself: a culture with an extraordinary artistic heritage that endured one of the darkest chapters of the 20th century and is now experiencing a remarkable cultural revival.
Internationally recognized human rights activist Arn Chorn-Pond, a survivor of the Khmer Rouge genocide and founder of Cambodian Living Arts, will provide poetic narration during the performance. His personal story brings a deeply human dimension to the concert, one that embodies the power of art to heal communities, preserve memory, and create hope – ideals that extend well beyond borders, cultures, and nationalities. Chorn-Pond will also address community audiences in separate talks that feature a personal exploration of survival, resilience, and redemption in times of uncertainty.
“The Cambodian Spirit is much more than a concert,” said Tom Palance, Artistic Director of The Orchestra on the Hill. “It is an opportunity to experience the extraordinary beauty of Cambodian culture while hearing the stories of the people who have carried that culture forward. We want audiences to understand that the American story is enriched every time a culture, a tradition, or a story is shared with us.” Our collaboration with Angkor Dance Troupe, Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association, and Cambodian Living Arts reflects the spirit at the center of An American Tapestry: bringing communities together through the arts and creating opportunities for audiences to experience cultures not simply as observers, but through their music, movement, history, and stories.
An American Tapestry: The Cambodian Spirit
Friday, October 9, 2026
7:00 pm – Preconcert Talk
7:30 pm – Concert
The Ipswich Community House
31 North Main Street Ipswich, MA
Sunday, October 11, 2026
2:30 pm – Preconcert Talk
3:00 pm - Concert Lowell High School Auditorium
50 Father Morissette Boulevard
Lowell, MA
Through the support of our sponsors, An American Tapestry: The Cambodian Spirit will be a FREE community event open to the public. However, registration is required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-american-tapestry-the-cambodian-spirit-tickets-2000030584317 Unregistered walk-ins will be accepted based on seating availability.
Come experience The Cambodian Spirit – a story of heritage, resilience, beauty, and renewal
