Showing 1 - 9 of 9
A harmonious blend
Life, James Keller, Published on 26/12/2023
» A highly energised Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra rounded off a hugely successful 2023 concert season mid-December with a cleverly conceived and designed programme titled "Orient Et Occident", with each performance alternating between compositions by Western and Eastern composers. By now, frequent visiting English conductor Douglas Bostock certainly knows how to inspire this orchestra to the very best of its abilities, and the opening La Princesse Jaune Overture by Camille Saint-Saëns was duly performed with a delightfully assured élan. The utterly charming faux-exoticism which the composer conjures was played with innocent, abundant joy, whilst a central lush string section showed off those particular ranks in an extremely positive light.
Curtains for Chinese opera?
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 27/02/2023
» "Hurry up," shouted a crew member who climbed up onto a makeshift stage. Casting sidelong glances, performers, half-clad, looked in the mirror and concentrated on applying layers of make-up. Nearby, a motley bunch of musicians and technicians double-checked their instruments. A stream of chatter from a growing audience -- without any partition between the theatre and real life -- put unintended pressure on the band.
The politics of trans acting
Life, Melalin Mahavongtrakul, Published on 30/04/2018
» Kudos and controversy in film, and other happenings in this month's round-up of LGBT news
Familiar beauty
Life, Apipar Norapoompipat, Published on 11/10/2017
» Hung on the 4th and 5th floors of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre are familiar photographs of Buddhist statues, stunning ancient pagodas, and people and monks absorbed in prayer. The photos, taken by veteran Italian photographer Andrea Pistolesi are highly dramatic -- sometimes overly so, with high dynamic range effects, high contrast, and interesting textures superimposed on top.
In musical tribute
Life, Published on 25/10/2016
» After the passing of His Majesty the King, several pop singers have released songs reflecting their grief. From rap to rock and ballads, we take a look at some of the most memorable
The grand tour
Life, Apipar Norapoompipat, Published on 27/04/2017
» Piano virtuoso Nat Yontararak has been up to something big. One of Thailand's pioneers in contemporary classical music, he's currently on tour in Europe -- visiting seven countries and performing 11 concerts to pay homage to two former great kings of Thailand, King Chulalongkorn and King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Valentina Lisitsa's outspoken words, outgoing music
Life, Harry Rolnick, Published on 12/12/2017
» Wonderful news for music lovers who hate Tchaikovsky symphonies. On Friday, the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (RBSO) will be performing a Tchaikovsky symphony.
A musical greeting to Japan
Life, Apipar Norapoompipat, Published on 04/10/2017
» As Japanese conductor Koji Kawamoto waved his baton in one swift motion, the 63 musicians of the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra filled Tokyo's acoustically stunning Suntory Hall with an unfamiliar tune.
Smuggling Thai culture by film
Life, Karnjana Karnjanatawe, Published on 23/06/2017
» A group of Chinese fans of Thai actress Davika Hoorne shouted her nickname -- "Mai! Mai!" -- as she slowly walked out from the gate at the arrivals hall of Shanghai International Airport. They had prepared bouquets of colourful flowers and a large bunch of 999 red roses for the admired star of Phi Mak Phrakanong and 20 Mai U-Turn Wai Huai Jai Return (Suddenly Twenty).