20 Years since the Coronation of the (Ballet) King
8/11/2024
Norodom Sihamoni was crowned King of Cambodia on October 29, 2004, and last week marked the 20th anniversary of his coronation. Sihamoni spent a significant part of his life in Prague. He was born on May 14, 1953, and first came to Czechoslovakia in 1962 at the age of nine when his parents sent him to study there. In Prague, he attended primary school and later became a student at the Dance Conservatory. In 1975, he graduated from the Academy of Performing Arts (AMU), specializing in dance and choreography.
After completing his studies, Norodom Sihamoni returned to Cambodia, but his connection to the Czech Republic was further deepened when he returned in the 1980s to serve as a cultural attaché at the Cambodian Embassy in Prague. Altogether, he spent approximately 13 years in Czechoslovakia, and Czech remains one of the languages he speaks fluently to this day.
Some of those who had the opportunity to meet him during these periods are still active in ballet and theatre, and it might not be too bold to say that there are many fond memories shared between them.
Your Majesty Norodom Sihamoni,
On behalf of the Czech National Ballet, I extend our heartfelt congratulations on the 20th anniversary of your coronation, a remarkable milestone that speaks to your profound dedication to Cambodia and its rich cultural heritage.
Your Majesty’s deep-rooted connection to Prague and to ballet is cherished in our hearts and history. In 2006, you were awarded honorary citizenship by the City of Prague—an honor uniquely held by Your Majesty as the only reigning monarch to receive this distinction During that visit, a special performance was held in your honor at the National Theatre, where dancers from Cambodia and the Czech National Ballet graced the stage. Your appearance on stage that evening, receiving a standing ovation from the audience, symbolized the bond between our cultures, strengthened through shared artistic expression. That same stage was once graced by Your Majesty as a dancer in works such as Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, a role that reflects the discipline and passion you continue to inspire. That same year, you were also the recipient of the Gratias Agit award, bestowed by the Czech Republic to recognize individuals who promote the good name of the country abroad, with other laureautes from the dance world being Jiri Kylian and Ivan Liska.
Your Majesty’s contributions have also extended to the people of Cambodia. In 2008, dancers from the Czech National Ballet performed for you in Phnom Penh, and later, in an outdoor performance among the historic temples of Cambodia. These events marked a beautiful exchange between our cultures, resonating with audiences across continents.
Your Majesty’s return to Prague in 2010 was celebrated with the conferral of an honorary doctorate by the Academy of Performing Arts, where you first honed your craft. Your visit to the National Theatre’s ballet preparatory school during this time was a source of inspiration for aspiring dancers and a testament to your support of the arts.
Our connection was further strengthened in 2022 when our first soloist Giovanni Rotolo from the Czech National Ballet performed in Phnom Penh, underscoring the enduring friendship between our nations.
On this 20th anniversary of your coronation, we honor not only your reign but also the cultural legacy you have built. It is a privilege for the Czech National Ballet to share in this connection, inspired by your vision and commitment to the arts.
Once again, please accept our warmest congratulations. May your legacy continue to inspire and strengthen the bonds of friendship and cultural exchange for generations to come.
Warm regards,
Filip Barankiewicz
Artistic Director
Czech National Ballet
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