Two concerts showcase exotic instruments
Bangkok audiences will have the rare opportunity this month to witness two fascinating concerts showcasing exotic instruments not often heard in this part of the world.
“Passage To India” sees two professional Indian musicians perform a series of compositions together on the sitar and tabla at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, Ratchadamri Road, tomorrow at 7.30pm.
The sitar is an Indian stringed instrument that gained international popularity in the late 1950s and early 60s, primarily through the works of Ravi Shankar. Acts such as The Beatles, The Doors, The Rolling Stones and others featured the instrument in their songs. Performing on this wonderfully hypnotic instrument will be Anupama Bhagwat, one of the most brilliant sitar players of her generation.
The tabla is a percussion instrument consisting of a pair of drums, used in traditional, classical, popular and folk music. This will be played by the famous musician Rahul Pophali, who has performed in more than 1,000 concerts of Indian classical and world music over the last 20 years, in India and around the world.
Scheduled for Nov 28 at 7.30pm is “The Grand Tango Music of Astor Piazzolla” concert featuring the fabulous sounds of the bandoneon, a kind of concertina originating from Germany that was popularised in Argentina and Uruguay. The venue is Yamaha Music Hall, 4th floor of Siam Motors Building, next to BTS National Stadium.
The programme will be entirely devoted to the works of famous Argentinian tango composer Piazzolla whose “nuevo tango” works have inspired audiences worldwide and who is regarded as the greatest exponent of this form of traditional Argentinian music.
This exciting concert will be performed by Daniel Ruggiero, a bandoneonist and composer from Buenos Aires who is also a founding member of the world-famous Argentinian contemporary tango group Quasimodo Trio. He has performed and recorded original and traditional tango music all over the world.
Daniel will be joined by virtuoso Thai violinist Tasana Nagavajara, along with Panyaphat Wongwechwiwat on violoncello.
Both shows are part of the Pro Musica World Music Series. Tickets cost 600 baht (100 baht for students).