Thailand meets America in symphony
Classical guitarist Ekachai Jearakul will perform with Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra (TPO) during the “Thailand Meets America” concert at Mahidol University’s Prince Mahidol Hall, Salaya campus, tomorrow at 7pm and on Saturday at 4pm.
This will be Ekachai’s third visit to perform with the TPO and the first time he will meet American conductor Jeffrey Meyer, who will direct the orchestra on both days.
Ekachai was the first Asian winner of the Guitar Foundation of America Competition in 2014, and recently accomplished his dream by debuting at New York’s Carnegie Hall.
The concert will feature the premiere of a new guitar concerto by Narong Prangcharoen, also a rising star as a composer, with Guggenheim and Barlow awards to his credit.
His music has been described as “absolutely captivating” by the Chicago Sun Times. Based in America, his music reflects the colours, mystery and spirituality of Asia. This will be his first work featuring the guitar as the main instrument. Narong also has plans to write three new concertos for TPO this year.
Alongside the freshness of a world premiere, the programme will be balanced with two symphonic classics by two musical giants.
Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No.3 is one of three overtures composed for his only opera, Fidelio, and one of the most dramatic works by a composer known for the emotional and powerful impact of his music. Composed over the course of a summer holiday, Brahms’ beautiful Second Symphony reflects the composer’s uplifting pleasure in nature.
Tickets cost 300 and 500 baht (100 baht for students up to bachelor’s degree) and are available from Thai Ticket Major (visit www.thaiticketmajor.com).