Showing 1 - 10 of 62
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).
Musical exchanges
Life, Published on 02/04/2024
» A completely packed Thailand Cultural Centre (TCC) was witness to a truly awe-inspiring concert on March 22, as a top visiting orchestra, the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra (TSO), took to the stage to officially mark the opening of its brand new, brave initiative called "Asia Project".
Getting soft power right
Life, Published on 08/01/2024
» After three months in office, the Srettha Thavisin government has raved on about populist policies in the guise of digital wallets and soft power projects that will create income to boost our declining economy. With optimism, we learned that Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pheu Thai party leader and head of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee (NSPSC), has drafted a budget of 5.1 billion baht to boost festivals and creative industries. It is welcoming news to hear this government is priortising art, music, literature, design, fashion, film, food, games, sports and festivals as essential sources for the creative economy. Where this enormous chunk of budget will come from, like digital wallets, remains to be seen.
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.
Doi Kham releases new jam in honour of Queen Mother
Life, Published on 17/08/2022
» Doi Kham has recently launched a new product, Mornberry jam, in celebration of the 90th birthday of HM Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. However, only a limited quantity is available.
Celebrate Française throughout March
Life, Vanniya Sriangura, Published on 08/03/2022
» To mark Francophonie month, which is celebrated every year around the world in March, Alliance Française de Bangkok features diverse events and activities that aim to promote the French language and bring like-minded people together.
Concert highlights Thai-Swiss relations
Life, Published on 15/12/2021
» To commemorate the 90th anniversary of Thai-Swiss relations, the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institue of Music (Pgvim), the Swiss Embassy and the Royal Thai Embassy in Bern, presents a free online concert today Dec 15 at 7pm.
Lessons of history
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 13/10/2021
» After decades of military authoritarianism, student demonstrators in Bangkok began to call for the restoration of constitutional rule and a return to democracy. In the face of the challenge, the entrenched generals refused to negotiate and arrested the protest leaders, claiming they were influenced by communism. It paved the way for the popular uprising of Oct 14, 1973.
Windows into the past
Life, Pattarawadee Saengmanee, Published on 09/09/2021
» Despite the government's relaxation of lockdown measures, recreational venues remain restricted and many office workers are still working from home. To satisfy bookworms and those interested in Thailand's rich history and wisdom, the National Library of Thailand (NLT) is arranging an online exhibition named "10 Books From The Valuable Ancient Documents Of The National Library".