'A Sound for Myanmar' more than a musical collaboration - Raising awareness & sharing cultural heritage
Brussels, March 7, 2025 — A Sound for Myanmar, a musical composition by Spanish composer and two-time Goya Award winner Lucas Vidal, was launched today in collaboration with Htet Arkar and other Myanmar musicians. The project, initiated and funded by the European Union, was designed as a tribute to the people of Myanmar during their current ongoing crisis.
The song aims to express hope in the middle of the difficulties, something even more relevant given the current challenges with freedom of expression.Yet, against this backdrop of repression, Myanmar’s creative voices persist, using music, art, and literature to convey truth and resilience.
Lucas Vidal on His Musical Journey in Myanmar
When approached by the EU for this project, award-winning composer Lucas Vidal saw an opportunity to immerse himself in Myanmar’s musical landscape and collaborate with its artists. He was struck by their generosity, deep emotional connection to their craft, and the way music remained a unifying force amid adversity.
"The people of Myanmar are going through difficult times, yet they remain incredibly positive and giving. They don’t just share their music—they share their hearts. It’s something we can all learn from," Vidal reflects.
Inspired by Myanmar’s vibrant sounds and traditions, he blended electronic loops with traditional instruments, bridging cultures in a unique composition. The project also took him to Prague, where he worked with an orchestra unfamiliar with Myanmar’s musical heritage, reinforcing the challenge—and beauty—of merging different musical worlds.
"Blending cultures into one composition was a challenge, but also an incredible learning experience. Music has no limits—it has the power to bring different worlds together," Vidal explains. This project reaffirmed his belief in music’s ability to transcend barriers, connecting people even in the most challenging times.
LISTEN TO THE SOUND & VIEW THE VIDEO CLIP HERE
Myanmar’s Iconic Instruments in the composition
In A Sound for Myanmar, acclaimed composer Lucas Vidal masterfully blends Myanmar’s rich musical traditions with Western orchestration. The composition, recorded in part in Myanmar, was created in collaboration with Htet Arkar and other local musicians specializing in traditional music. These musicians guided Vidal through the deep history and cultural significance of Myanmar’s unique instruments—some of which are now played by fewer than 50 people and are at risk of disappearing entirely.
Several of these rare instruments take center stage in the piece, including the Saung Gauk, Myanmar’s renowned arched harp; the Pat Waing, an intricate circle of 21 drums; the Gausem Tum Na, a bamboo flute from the Chin people; and the Shan Oh Si, a powerful tall drum from Shan State in eastern Myanmar.
Recorded alongside a full orchestra in Prague, these traditional sounds weave seamlessly with Western instrumentation, creating a fusion of past and present. A Sound for Myanmar serves as both a tribute to Myanmar’s rich musical heritage and a reminder of the importance of preserving its cultural treasures for future generations.
Lyrics, written and sung in Myanmar language, were also added to the composition, and convey the message: "Let’s create a peaceful world through singing, dancing, and playing music together!” These words reinforce the project’s spirit, symbolising unity, resilience, and the enduring power of culture to inspire hope, even in times of hardship.
©Pierre-Yves Jortay
A Cultural Bridge of Solidarity
Four years after the military coup of February 1, 2021, Myanmar continues to face a deep political, economic, and humanitarian crisis. As global attention shifts elsewhere, the European Union (EU) reaffirms its steadfast support for the people of Myanmar.
The composition ‘A Sound for Myanmar’ serves multiple purposes by:
- Symbolising solidarity and mutual understanding between Europe and Myanmar, fostering cultural exchange and celebrating the resilience of Myanmar’s diverse communities.
- Raising awareness by using music as a universal language to engage audiences across Europe and beyond, drawing attention to the ongoing crisis and the pressing need for humanitarian and development support.
- Preserving cultural heritage, as the composition—crafted through collaboration between musicians from various ethnic backgrounds—showcases Myanmar’s rich musical traditions.
Beyond this initiative, the EU remains committed to working through the United Nations, international NGOs, and resilient local civil society organisations. Its efforts prioritise peace and governance, human development and education, and sustainable economic growth for Myanmar’s future.
"Since the coup, the EU has committed over EUR 355 million to support the people of Myanmar, providing a vital lifeline amid the crisis. We continue to advocate for the preservation of jobs, particularly for women, and all our funding is channeled through trusted partners. However, a significant funding gap remains, requiring broader international support. This project is a testament to the enduring bonds of solidarity and the shared aspiration for peace and democracy, " says H.E. Ranieri Sabatucci, the EU Ambassador to Myanmar.
About Lucas Vidal
Lucas Vidal (born 1984) is a two time Goya Award winning Spanish composer, conductor, and record producer. Vidal became the youngest Berklee College of Music student ever to compose and record the score to a feature film with a full orchestra, and he is best known for composing the score for the 2013 film Fast & Furious 6.
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Aurelie de Burbure