Jazz Returns to Raffles: A Night of Soul and Tribute
Phnom Penh’s Raffles Hotel Le Royal will once again set the stage for a night of musical elegance as the Institut français du Cambodge and the International Jazz Festival Phnom Penh present “Song for Abbey” — a moving tribute concert to the legendary jazz singer Abbey Lincoln, performed by celebrated French vocalist and songwriter Marion Rampal.
A Celebration of Jazz and Character
Set for Wednesday, October 15 at 8pm, the performance will take place in the ballroom of Raffles Hotel Le Royal, one of Cambodia’s most iconic cultural venues. Rampal, known for her soulful voice and storytelling depth, will be joined by an ensemble of world-class musicians — Matthis Pascaud (guitar), Raphaël Chassin (drums), Simon Tailleu (double bass), and Thibault Gomez (piano) — for an evening that reimagines Lincoln’s work with both reverence and originality.
Abbey Lincoln was more than a singer. She was an actress, composer, and activist whose influence extended far beyond music. Her songs spoke of resilience, identity, and humanity — qualities that resonate deeply across cultures and generations. In Song for Abbey, Rampal brings Lincoln’s music to life not as a mere homage but as a living dialogue between past and present.
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“This is not a conventional tribute reaching for the stars,” Rampal explains. “It’s a gesture of living memory — invoking and sharing the spirit of an immense artist, one who saw jazz as a form of character building.”
More Than a Concert
The performance will feature a mix of Lincoln’s most iconic works alongside Rampal’s own compositions and reinterpretations inspired by the American great’s legacy. The result is a soundscape that explores the emotional range and creative freedom that define jazz at its finest.
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Guests can also begin their evening with a three-course set dinner at Le Phnom restaurant, available for $28++ from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, before the show begins at 8pm. The concert tickets are priced at $20 and can be reserved via the Institut français du Cambodge website.
A Collaboration of Cultures
The event marks another milestone in Phnom Penh’s growing cultural calendar, blending French artistry with Cambodia’s appreciation for live performance. The organizers — Institut français du Cambodge, Raffles Hotel Le Royal, and the International Jazz Festival Phnom Penh — have also extended thanks to their sponsors and partners: The Piano Shop Cambodia, The Pacific Cigar, and Steven Gargadennec, whose contribution helped make the production possible.
Practical Details
Contact: +855 23 981 888 | dining.leroyal@raffles.com
Venue: Ballroom, Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM
Ticket: $20
Dinner (optional): $28++ for a three-course set at Le Phnom Restaurant (5:30–7:30 PM)
Bookings: Institut français du Cambodge
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
