Peter Livermore, the Englishman who lives in France
but has a Lao heart, did it again. Peter, an artist, photographer, filmmaker
and creator of Lao arts and crafts in the Lao-French community, has been
traveling to Laos for over two decades. He felt in love with the Lao people, their
culture and traditions. He later married a Lao woman.
Peter's works are well- known among many people who are
interested in Laos and want to know more about the country. When VOA last interviewed
Peter, we introduced to you his "La Lumiere de Mekong" or "Lights of the
Mekong" exhibition that captured the lifestyles of the Lao people and their
activities during Buddhist festivals throughout the country. His works on Laos
include photos, postcards, books, CDs of traditional Lao music and the sound of
the Khene, his latest work.
Traditional Lao Music for Dancing
Peter told VOA that "On the first day of Summer or the
21st of June, there's a music festival in Paris. And this year, the
Laotian-French community showcased Laos' traditional instrument "the Khaen" in a new height. A Khaen master, Mr.
Khampha Inthisan, will solo Khaen ensemble with a Jazz master.
Peter said no matter how hard the work is or how
long it will take, he will never give up the things he loves to do for Laos and
the Lao people, that is keep producing Lao music and keep maintaining the Lao
culture and traditions for future generations to enjoy and learn from. He said,
"It takes a lot of hard works and efforts to make thing happen. This is not the
lucrative way to get rich and I don't do it purely for money. I do what I love,
but hope that we can make some money so we can keep making new products about
this country that we love."