On Monday, Nov. 3, students and faculty filled the seats of Garland Theater to hear from Arn Chorn-Pond––musician, artist, survivor of the Cambodian genocide and founder of the arts organization Cambodian Living Arts.
The event and following Q&A was co-hosted by seniors Madeleine Delbridge and Filiz Fish, co-presidents of Poly’s UNA-USA chapter and youth interns for UNA-USA Pasadena. Delbridge is also a member of the Global Scholars cohort.
“Arn had spoken at Poly two years ago, which I had the privilege of helping facilitate. We were grateful to host his return this year. His incredible story mirrors what the UNA promotes: compassion, resilience, and hope for change,” shared Delbridge.
Chorn-Pond explained how the Khmer Rouge seized control of the Cambodian government in 1975, motivated by their desire to transform Cambodia into a classless agrarian society, in what they called “Year Zero.” Chorn-Pond detailed the horrors he endured in the “death camps” he was forced into.
Chorn-Pond closed his talk by playing a traditional Khmer song on his flute. His musical talent saved his life when he was chosen to play the khim for the Khmer Rouge. Eventually, Chorn-Pond escaped into the jungles of Cambodia, found a refugee camp and was adopted by an American family. In his young adult life, he returned to Cambodia to help rebuild its traditional arts and culture through his nonprofit, Cambodian Living Arts, which began when he returned to Cambodia and saw previously famed and accomplished musicians living on the streets.
“Arn Chorn-Pond’s story embodies resistance not only in surviving oppression but also transforming his pain into purpose. Listening to Arn Chorn-Pond’s story deeply inspired me to not just honor my own heritage, but also to turn pain into meaningful action that can help others heal and preserve what matters most,” shared sophomore Celine Chao, an attendee of the event.
Next spring 11 PolyGlobal students will visit Cambodia and further explore Chorn-Pond’s work in reviving Khmer music and arts. The greater Poly community is grateful for the opportunity to have heard from Chorn-Pond, and his words will echo in our hearts for months to come.
