On Feb. 23, the luxury heritage hotel, Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Cambodia’s capital, is set to host a special one-night performance by the renowned 25-piece jazz orchestra, Biggles Big Band from Amsterdam.
This orchestra, led by conductor Sir Adrie Braat since its founding in 1985, is celebrated for its enchanting renditions of music from the great swing era, featuring the timeless sounds of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and iconic jazz singers like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. The band boasts a lineup including trumpets, trombones, saxophones, guitar, piano, acoustic bass, drums, violins, vocalists, and more.
Having established a regular presence with weekly shows in Amsterdam’s legendary cafe Casablanca, the orchestra has gained popularity. Now, they are taking their show on tour, making their debut in Cambodia with the upcoming performance at Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh.
Tickets for the concert are priced at US$40 net per person, inclusive of dinner. Additionally, room packages starting from $280++ for a single occupancy and an extra $50++ for double occupancy are available. Guests at the concert stand a chance to win prizes, including staycation vouchers for both Raffles Hotel Le Royal and its sister property in Siem Reap, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor.
The proceeds from the concert will contribute to the local children’s community, aligning with the band’s philanthropic efforts. In addition to the performance, the orchestra will conduct a music workshop in Phnom Penh.
As part of their current tour, the band is also scheduled to perform a series of concerts in Thailand.
Nestled in the heart of Phnom Penh, Raffles Hotel Le Royal stands as a landmark heritage building, boasting 175 rooms, including four suites dedicated to distinguished past guests such as Jacqueline Kennedy, Charles de Gaulle, Andre Malraux, and Somerset Maugham. The architectural masterpiece, designed in the 1920s by French architect Ernest Hébrard, seamlessly blends Khmer, Art Deco, and French Colonial styles. Originally inaugurated in 1929 with a modest 55 rooms, the hotel underwent a transformative restoration in the 1990s when Raffles took over at the invitation of Cambodia’s King Sihanouk. The result, the relaunch of Raffles Hotel Le Royal in 1997, involved local artisans meticulously recreating painted ceilings, decorative beaten copper crests, and outdoor sculptures to preserve Cambodia’s rich heritage. The hotel features a central private courtyard, two swimming pools surrounded by Frangipani-lined tropical gardens, a spa, a fitness and yoga center, two restaurants, and a renowned bar. With a history entwined with Cambodia’s modern narrative, Raffles Hotel Le Royal celebrated its 90th anniversary in November 2019.
The distinguished Elephant Bar at Raffles Hotel Le Royal earned prestigious accolades at the “Top 30 Bars Cambodia” awards for 2023, securing recognition for its signature cocktails, exceptional service, and distinctive special events. The bar claimed the title of “Top Bar of the Year,” announced on March 30, and was also honored among the “Top 30 Bars in Cambodia.” Notably, it clinched two additional awards for “Top Bar Team of the Year” in separate categories presented by Heineken and Chivas Regal.
Raffles Hotel Le Royal, centrally located in Phnom Penh, underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 2019 as part of a meticulous one-year restoration project, showcasing 175 rooms and suites. Meanwhile, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, situated near ancient Khmer archaeological sites, opened its doors in 1932 and remains a national treasure. Originally conceived as a rest stop for archaeologists and adventurers exploring the ancient kingdom of Angkor Wat, it has since become one of the most sought-after UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Both properties offer acclaimed Khmer fine dining experiences, with Restaurant Le Royal in Phnom Penh and 1932 in Siem Reap. Additionally, their Elephant Bar locations have become legendary venues for cocktails, wine, and more, set in a stylish and sophisticated colonial-style ambiance.
For more details about Raffles Hotel Le Royal or to book tickets for the concert, interested individuals can contact +855 23 981 888 or visit www.raffles.com/phnom-penh.
