The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (RBSO) under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya presents an evening of beautiful music in celebration of HM Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother's 88th birthday, in the Main Hall of Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road, on Saturday starting at 7.30pm.
Queen Sirikit has long been a supporter of music and arts in Thailand and around the world. Her love for music started at a young age. After her father was appointed ambassador to the UK and France, she continued her studies in Europe with a focus on music and languages. She was such a talented musician that at one point she considered becoming a concert pianist herself.
Titled "The Queen Mother Concert", the performance includes three carefully chosen pieces which will certainly showcase the talents of the RBSO on this auspicious occasion. Performing on the night will be solo cellist Apichai Leamthong, with RBSO resident conductor Dr Vanich Potavanich on the podium.
The first piece on the repertoire is Prince Igor Overture by Russian Romantic composer Alexander Borodin. Interestingly, Borodin's primary occupation was as a chemist and doctor who founded the School of Medicine for Women in St Petersburg. It is well known that Queen Sirikit is a dedicated supporter of breast cancer awareness and other women's health issues in Thailand.
The next piece is Cello Concerto No.1 In C Major by Josef Haydn, one of the most prolific composers of his time and a professional in the highest sense of the word.
The concert will close with Modést Mussorgsky's Pictures At An Exhibition, a beautifully diverse piece which flows like a Russian storyline, one of Mussorgsky's perpetual themes. He was considered an innovator in Russian music and sought to establish a uniquely Russian musical identity.
Tickets cost 300, 700, 900, 1,200 and 1,500 baht (50% discount for students and those over 60) and are available from Thai Ticket Major outlets (visit thaiticketmajor.com or call 02-262-3456).
Contact RBSO on 02-255-6617/8.
Apichai Leamthong. Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation
Vanich Potavanich. photos courtesy of Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation
