Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand
In 2009 I donated a home concert to the Eugene Oregon Symphony. At the concert (Concert #9 of the 88 concert tour) I met 2 Thai eye doctors, Somsran, and Damrongpan. They both work with a foundation called the “Eye Care Foundation” conducting vision restoring cataract surgery in rural areas of Thailand. Several months later, they introduced me by email to their friend Jumbhot Chuasi. Led by him, the Fund for Classical Music Promotion and Siam Society extended an invitation to me to perform at the Cultural Center in Bangkok in April of 2011.
For the prelude for this concert, I used the word Siam to generate the main 4 note motive. At Jumbhot’s suggestion I also include the name of King of Thailand, Bhumibol. The prelude alternates between the ‘Siam’ motive and the ‘Bhumibol’ motive. Incidentally, the King is a composer of jazz melodies! Here is his first song:
I’m glad I included his name in the prelude because soon the Siam Society will be publishing this prelude in their journal and also presenting it to the King in acknowledgment of his Seventh Cycle (meaning the beginning of the 7th decade of his reign).
Prelude No. 21 for Siam Society and King Bhumibol
Overall, it was a wonderful experience. The crowd was very warm and engaged. Absolutely loved Bangkok, the food, the royal palace, the massages all wonderful and highly recommended.
In addition, I gave a master class at the Siam Society. They played Schumann, Brahms, and Beethoven. Quite talented and committed…one of the students is now attending Oberlin Conservatory.
with Jumbhot
with Damrongpan
With members of the Siam Society after the concert