Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra Marks 10th Birthday

Bangkok (Thailand) – April 20, 2015 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is proud to support the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra (TPO), which this year celebrates its 10th season and is continuing to offer world-class performances of orchestral music from its new home, the Prince Mahidol Hall on Mahidol University’s Salaya Campus.

Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT’s Acting Governor, and Deputy Governor for Europe, Africa, Middle East and America, said, “Though a relatively young orchestra, the Thailand Philharmonic has already achieved great international acclaim and has performed overseas and for international world leaders. The well-known musicians who have travelled here to perform with the TPO have been impressed with its rapid development. Indeed this is one of Thailand’s greatest artistic treasures and we know the orchestra will attract even more attention in the years to come.”

Chief Conductor of the TPO Gudni Emilsson is overseeing the 10th (2014-2015) Season and has expanded the programme to over 80 performances drawn from over three centuries of orchestral repertoire as well as chamber, contemporary and specially-commissioned new music.

The 2014-2015 Season also marks the first full year of TPO at its new home at the 2,000-seat Prince Mahidol Hall. The Hall was the vision of first two presidents of Mahidol University: Prof. Chatchawan Osatanont, M.D. and Prof. Kasan Chatikavanich, M.D. and is a striking example of modern Thai architecture. It was designed by Architects 49 Company Limited who incorporated natural forms and traditional Thai architectural features into the striking building. Prince Mahidol Hall was meticulously designed for superior acoustical quality. Consulting firms from Britain, France and Germany provided advice on state-of–the-art light and sound system and stage engineering— making Prince Mahidol Hall one of the most advanced concert halls in Asia.

Mrs. Juthaporn said, “This building is as much a piece of art as the performances that take place within. It is a real architectural gem that not only plays host to the talents of the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra and visiting performers, but also inspires them. It is a world-class architectural landmark and is worthy of the international attention it receives, as is the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra itself.”

The 90-member TPO, under the patronage of the Royal Thai Government, was started with the aim of enriching Thailand’s musical scene by inspiring, entertaining and educating through live symphonic music of all styles, from Western classical to ethnic Thai compositions. The Orchestra also works with acclaimed soloists and conductors at concerts and makes recordings and bring international quality musical performances to Thailand.

The Thailand Philharmonic gave its inaugural performance at the Royal Thailand Navy Auditorium on 23 June, 2005, and since then has built a reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s finest orchestras, attracting some of the biggest names in classical music to conduct and perform. Among the famous conductors leading the TPO have been Gudni Emilsson (Germany), Claude Villaret (Switzerland) and Alfonso Scarano (Italy) while the long list of famous soloists who have joined TPO include Jens Lindemann (Canada), Eri Nakagawa (Japan) and Lambis Vassiliadis (Greece).

For more information, visit:
Media contacts:
International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
1600 New Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevi
Bangkok 10400
Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
Email: prdiv3@tat.or.th