Showing 1 - 10 of 14
Farewell to a maestro
Life, John Clewley, Published on 10/04/2024
» The world of molam has been in mourning since news emerged that Thailand's greatest phin player Thongsai Thap Thanon passed away on March 20 at his home in Warin Chamrap district, Ubon Ratchathani, at the age of 77. The phin is a two- or three-stringed Isan Lao lute that is part of the trinity of molam instruments, along with the iconic khaen (free reed bamboo mouth organ) and the sor (fiddle).
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.
The search for the perfect durian
Life, Karnjana Karnjanatawe, Published on 01/07/2021
» While driving along Highway 4 from Phetchaburi to Prachuap Khiri Khan, you will notice vendors sitting under big umbrellas in roadside stalls selling their farm products such as pineapples and rose apples. During this time of the year, you also will see another popular fruit of the province -- the Pa La-u durian.
Always auspicious
Life, Karnjana Karnjanatawe, Published on 16/04/2020
» It will be the quietest celebration for the coming anniversary of Bangkok. The capital will reach its 238th year on April 21. During the past years, the Ministry of Culture hosted traditional performances, light and sound shows and exhibitions to mark the anniversary in various places.
Gearing up for tourists
Life, Karnjana Karnjanatawe, Published on 08/03/2018
» After harvesting season, rice farmers in the Northeast hold an annual merit-making ceremony to express gratitude to Mae Phosop (the Goddess of Rice). The farmers bring a portion of their newly harvested rice and pile it up on a temple ground for monks to bless.
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.
All the Queen's women
Life, Karnjana Karnjanatawe, Published on 10/08/2017
» They were holding hands while walking, with smiles on their faces. Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and Khammai Yokhasing. Khammai, 84, still remembers the moment when the Queen held her hand at Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin, 40 years ago.
Music fit for a Queen
Life, Tretip Kamolsiri, Published on 29/08/2017
» Under the baton of National Artist Rear Adm Veeraphan Vawklang, The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (RBSO) last week performed "Thai Classical Music" to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's 85th birthday at the Main Hall of the Thailand Culture Centre. The programme consisted of works from different genres that reflected Her Majesty's great benevolence to the country during the reign of the late King Bhumibol.
Sun festival
Life, Pichaya Svasti, Published on 30/03/2017
» From March 31 to April 2, the Phanom Rung Historical Park Festival will take place at Phanom Rung Historical Park, Buri Ram province, providing visitors a once-a-year chance to see the rays of the rising Sun through all 15 doors of the sanctuary.