Justus Frantz, conductor of the Davidoff Friendship Tour, with members of the orchestra

THE Davidoff Friendship

Tour with the Philharmonia of the Nations, said to be one of the top 15 orchestras

in the world, is to perform in Cambodia next month.

Conducted by Justus Frantz, it will play at Phnom Penh's Hotel Le Royal on May 21.

Jim Van Drunen Little, Regional Director of Reemstma International which is sponsoring

the event, said that his would be the largest international orchestra ever to visit

Cambodia.

The orchestra is made up of young, gifted musicians from more than 30 countries including

Russia, Britain, China, Israel and Serbia.

"We even have musicians from countries that are currently at war, yet through

our mutual love of music, we can travel the world promoting peace," said Frantz.

"This, we believe, symbolizes hope and understanding between the nations."

He also said that he can't wait to spend some time in Phnom Penh and that all the

musicians are extremely excited about the prospect.

Pieces the orchestra will play include Beethoven's Coriolan Overture and Mozart's

Symphony 41. About 80 tickets are available at Le Royal for the public, at $25 each.