Thailand Probes Thaksin's Alleged Political Manipulation

[webfact]

Epic: The First Symphonic Performance Of The Complete Songs Of HM King Rama IX

 

Opera Siam, in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Promotion of the Ministry of Culture, has assembled a team of musical greats to mount what is sure to be one of the most spectacular tributes to His Late Majesty King Rama IX: the first “symphonic” rendition of His Late Majesty’s complete song: a concert called 48 FOREVER.

 

Among those who have agreed to participate in this epic performance are Khun Ploypailin Jensen, pop icon Pod Moderndog, jazz singer Athalie De Koning, American opera star Stacey Tappan, “look thoong” star Jonas Anderson, and popular classical band Jeeb as well as conductors Somtow, Trisdee na Patalung, and Denny Euprasert. Both Siam Philharmonic and Siam Sinfonietta will participate as well as several choirs, for a total of over two hundred performers on stage. It will take around four hours to perform the entire oeuvre of His Majesty; there will be two performances, on May 13 and 14 starting at 4 pm at the Thailand Cultural Center, with a one-hour dinner break.

 

The search for symphony orchestra versions of His Majesty’s music led Opera Siam’s artistic director, Somtow Sucharitkul, and his research team, to search through published records and the memories of veteran musicians. Most pathways led to the pioneering work of M.L. Usni Pramoj, who recently passed away. 

 

“M.L. Usni created some of the most imaginative royal arrangements, full of interest orchestral color and fresh harmonies,” said Somtow. “In addition, we have found some delightful chamber arrangements by Trisdee na Patalung, some full-scale versions for jazz trio and symphony orchestra by Denny Euprasert, and some charming jazzy versions by Athalie De Koning and the Jazziam ensemble.” Somtow’s own arrangement of “Falling Rain” was first performed for Their Majesties in the 1970s when the Philadelphia Boys Choir toured Asia and has since been played in Carnegie Hall as well as the Konzerthaus in Berlin. 

 

There will plenty of variety as the concert features every variation on the idea of “classical music” - from jazz-influenced to symphony-pop to musical theater to opera, from string quartet to full blown orchestra with hundred-voice choir.

 

‘Our late King was a consummate tunesmith whose melodies are living things that will survive through the ages,” said Somtow, “as artists continue to interpret these songs and be inspired by them.”

 

Profits from these performances will go to Royal Charities.