Kantruem Music: The Living Sound Heritage of Khmer Surin

The Office of Arts and Culture, Surindra Rajabhat University, launched a Kantruem music preservation project — the distinctive folk music of the Khmer-Surin people that has been passed down for over 500 years. Kantruem is a musical ensemble blending ancient instruments including the Tro Khmer (bowed string), Samphor drum, flute, and rhythm instruments. It is traditionally performed at ceremonies, funerals, and auspicious events in Khmer-Surin communities. The project has recorded Kantruem compositions from senior music masters across 8 districts — over 200 pieces — to build a digital cultural heritage archive for Surin Province and share with interested audiences worldwide.