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Bangkok Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
A night of titans
Decidedly heroic music was the order of the day earlier this month at the Thailand Cultural Centre as the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra marked the auspicious occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana's birthday. There is arguably no symphony mightier than Beethoven's third, the Eroica, and this most fitting choice of programming welcomed a fresh new maestro to the RBSO podium -- charismatic Polish conductor Slawomir Grenda, who has also been principal bassist of the great Munich Philharmonic since 1996. Balanced in the first half by an exceptionally impressive showcase of two of Thailand's master musicians, pianist Jayanat Wisaijorn and double bassist Nattawut Sungkasaro performed Rachmaninoff's famous Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini and a slightly lesser known treat -- the Double Bass Concerto In F-sharp Minor by Serge Koussevitsky. That composer premiered this challenging staple of the bass repertoire himself in 1905, and it is notable for the raised scordatura tuning by a whole tone, with the extra tension facilitating projection in venues as large as the Thailand Cultural Centre. Of all his phenomenal piano creations, Rachmaninoff's iconic Paganini Rhapsody is perhaps captures the imagination more than any other and Jayanat's superlative rendition of it certainly reaffirmed this perception, as it thrilled an enthusiastically engaged audience. He possesses a consummate mastery at the keyboard, which is the result of arduous studies with the great virtuoso and pedagogue Emile Naoumoff -- the last disciple of none other than the legendary Nadia Boulanger. An alumnus of the prestigious Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, Jayanat has the rounded personality of an exceptional artist who can certainly hold his own on the international stage. This warhorse is one of those perennial favourites which never becomes any easier for soloists or indeed an orchestra and conductor -- the score is as filigree as it is multifaceted and the 24 variations demand intense levels of concentration and focus. Indeed, Rachmaninoff himself acknowledged having occasional problems with some of the variations of his own spectacular masterpiece, despite famously having perhaps the largest hand-span of any pianist in history. However, from the word go Jayanat assumed absolute control of the knotty material, reassuring the attentive patrons that a musically profound and technically assured interpretation was just about to unfold, and indeed it did. The theme and 24 variations are of course based on Paganini's instantly recognisable 24th Caprice In A Minor for solo violin, and the combined violin sections introduced the legendary 1st position theme neatly and without fuss, setting on their course variations 1-10, which effectively constitute an extended 1st section. Grenda kept the soloist and RBSO rhythmically tight in expert fashion, attentive to all details in the score with all orchestral interjections precise and clear, whilst Jayanat himself was note-perfect. Delicate pianistic touch is the essence of the next, much slower and reflective eight variations, which as a group constitute the 2nd section of the piece. Variation 18, of course, is one of those irresistible melodies which, when heard, strikes one as surely among the most iconic in all music history. A slowed-down melodic inversion of the Paganini theme, both soloist and orchestra were obviously full of emotion at this crucial moment. Variations 19-24 correspondingly constitute what can be thought of as the finale of this work, increasingly frenetic and furiously active as the masterpiece builds to its almighty statement of the "Dies Irae" -- an entertaining demonic nod to the devilish Paganini himself! RBSO double bass principal Nattawut Sungkasaro is a genuinely incredible young virtuoso of his instrument, and as a highly privileged beneficiary of a Princess Sirivannavari Cultivated Arts Foundation Scholarship has received the best education at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. One of his many esteemed tutors is Slawomir Grenda himself -- hence their pairing in this programme -- and their partnership produced a beautifully etched interpretation. Nattawut's awe-inspiring technical facility is married to the deepest levels of musicality and the RBSO is most fortunate to count him among their ranks. Also, Claudio Abbado's hand-picked choice as principal bassist for the top-notch Lucerne Festival Orchestra since 2006, Grenda like his Thai disciple is a formidable musical personality. Returning to the podium after the interval to conduct the Eroica from memory (like Karajan and indeed Abbado, without the need for stand or score) he certainly brought many of those familiar tropes from the Central European tradition to his energetic interpretation. This was a powerful and gripping performance from first to last, with some delightful touches of subtlety. For example, amid the predominance of thick, heavy textures and long sustained fortissimos, near the start of the Finale, it was perfectly charming to hear as a counterbalance that brief string quartet variation as stipulated by the genius creator himself.
Bangkok Post
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
RBSO delivers a heroic Marvel concert
The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, following the anime music concert, displayed another range of dynamic breadth with two incredible performances of "MARVEL Movie Music" -- a concert that showcased the cinematic experience of superheroes through orchestral soundtracks. Under the baton of resident conductor Vanich Potavanich, the RBSO delivered a thunderous delivery of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. From the opening notes of Alan Silvestri's iconic Avengers Theme, the atmosphere in the hall turned instantly electric. Maestro Vanich led the orchestra with precision and infectious enthusiasm. The RBSO strings surged with purpose and the brass and percussion rang with heroic triumph. What followed was a curated programme that traversed the history of Marvel's most beloved characters and stories. Silvestri's sweeping melodies from Avengers: Endgame stirred deep nostalgia, while the menacing march from Age Of Ultron brought a darker gravitas to the first half. Particularly striking was the Iron Man Suite, where electric guitar riffs fused seamlessly with orchestral textures, paying homage to the rock-driven swagger of Tony Stark with thrilling verve. In Black Panther, Ludwig Göransson's Afro-futurist score pulsed with polyrhythms and melodic layering, brought vividly to life by the chorus, RBSO's woodwinds and drums. The Doctor Strange suite brought a surreal, mystical edge, as harp glissandi and bending harmonics painted a world beyond time and logic. Equally captivating were selections from Thor, Captain Marvel and Guardians Of The Galaxy, each offering its own distinct tone -- from the nobility of Asgard to the bright, retro-tinged adventures. The orchestra embraced these contrasting worlds with impressive versatility, shifting styles and dynamics with superhero-like agility. Beyond the music, what truly elevated the evening was the immense joy created by the performances. Cheers erupted at familiar motifs and many attendees, young fans and enthusiastic Marvel fans were immersed in a shared memory of the movies. In a world where orchestral music continually evolves, "MARVEL Movie Music" was a resounding success.
Bangkok Post
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
Anime music concert returns with resounding success
The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (RBSO), under the patronage of HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, once again proved its versatility with two exuberant sold-out performances celebrating beloved Japanese anime. Under the baton of maestro Naohisa Furusawa, these "Music Of Anime" concerts brought audiences of all ages to their feet in a celebration of iconic soundtracks and cultural phenomenon. Furusawa -- himself a native of Tokyo -- brought not only technical command but an infectious joy to the podium. The first half of the programme was dedicated entirely to Hisaishi's unforgettable music for Studio Ghibli films. Symphonic Variation "Merry-Go-Round" from Howl's Moving Castle was followed by the airy grace of My Neighbor Totoro: The Path Of Wind, where the woodwinds sparkled and the strings danced with childlike charm. Finally, the buoyant theme from Gake No Ue No Ponyo. After the intermission, the programme expanded to showcase a variety of other anime gems. The epic soundscape of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End set an introspective tone, and contrasted sharply with the adrenaline-pumping Fairy Tail Main Theme, which saw the percussion section deliver punchy rhythms with rock-like energy. A particular highlight was the Sword Art Online Suite, its shifting moods deftly handled by the orchestra's brass and strings, eliciting roars of approval from fans familiar with its narrative depth. The haunting Requiem Of Silence from Re:Zero and the aching beauty of A Silent Voice revealed the ensemble's ability to express emotional nuance and restraint, before a dazzling finale of Your Name and Madoka Magica sent the audience into rapturous applause. In particular, Your Name and Sparkle were especially rousing; the nostalgia for anime was brought to life by soloist Songsynth Sirikhunaratsmi. Adding to the endless excitement of the evening were multiple encores, which had the entire hall clapping along in rhythm, shining their phone lights and cheering with excitement. The atmosphere was more than a concert -- the orchestra's rich sound and dedication to the spirit of the anime genre made for an unforgettable experience. Given the overwhelming popularity of these performances, it seems anime will remain a recurring and beloved feature of the RBSO's future programming.
Time Out
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Anime, amplified: soundtracks come to live at Music of Anime Concert
Bangkok is buzzing with anime fever this year. From Naruto the Gallery and Attack on Titan to 100% Doraemon & Friends Tour in Thailand, devoted fans are spoiled for choice with nostalgic encounters. But the Big Mango has even more events in store. The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra is set to bring your favourite Japanese stories to life – not through immersive exhibitions, but through melody at the Music of Anime Concert. Taking place on June 19-20 at 7.30pm, the evening of orchestral storytelling features Tokyo-born conductor Naohisa Furusawa. Known for his innovative approach to animated film scores, Naohisa has captivated audiences with his work alongside the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. Opening with beloved Studio Ghibli classics, this year's concert begins with the magical sounds of Joe Hisaishi's timeless scores from Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle and Ponyo. As the evening unfolds, the orchestra guides you through a range of emotions with pieces from well-known narratives. You'll feel the heartfelt moments of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, the thrill of Sword Art Online, the quiet reflection of A Silent Voice and the moving beauty of Your Name.
