"The commission of this opera ... was to inspire and invite him (composer Him Sophy) to bring his own voice of the ancient Khmer sound into his own score that married his traditions with western pop and rock tradition, " Burt said.

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This may sound like ancient history, but prior to 2007, Americans were extremely resistant, even hostile towards smartphones.

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And echoing through the ancient temple is the sound of a river flowing even beneath this layer, running through a Republic-era drain.

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On the breeze comes the sound of a tractor in an orchard, collecting the windfall for the next batch of cider - the sound of an ancient tradition surviving, adapting and prospering.

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The couple arrived to the sound of bagpipes at Middle Temple - one of the ancient Inns of Court - where the duke is an honorary barrister and member of the institution's governing body.

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