Musical treat features late Thai king’s compositions
SELECT guests were recently treated to the rare, royal compositions of the late Thai monarch King Bhumibol Adulyadej “The Great”. The “From Thailand With Love” piano recital was held on Sunday to celebrate the birthday anniversary of his majesty at the Fairview International School in Section 6, Wangsa Maju.
Thai ambassador Chainarong Keratiyutwong played host at the event conducted by Steinway artist and talented Thai pianist Poom Prommachart.
The event was also held to mark Thailand’s national day and Fathers Day.
Poom opened the evening with renditions of Still on My Mind, Alexandra, Love, Sweet Words, Near Dawn and Echo.
This was followed by a piano and string quintet performance of Frederic Chopin’s
Piano Concerto No.1 in E minor, Op. 11 by Poom and Ling Yun Zhi (violin), Yang Lang Jian (violin), Fan Ran (viola), Stephen Tseu (cello) and Foo Yin Hong (double bass).
The evening ended with Poom doing a duet with saxophonist and University College Fairview lecturer Scarlet Gouk, playing the famous Thai number Bua Kao (White Lotus).
Present at the event were Tunku Zain AlAbidin Tuanku Muhriz, Fairview International School chairman Daniel Chian, its director Dr Vincent Chian and ambassadors.
Chainarong explained that King Bhumibol’s natural aptitude and passion for music, especially jazz and blues, started from an early age.
Chainarong said that throughout King Bhumibol’s lifetime, he used music as a medium to bond with his people.
“In his view, music is also like a diplomatic language between Thailand, the international community and the world.”