ARIAS FOR THE PRINCE

Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha presided at last Saturday’s 60th-birthday concert for His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn at the Thailand Cultural Centre.
The tribute was organised by senior executives of the Justice Administration Batch 16 in cooperation with the Vajiralongkorn Foundation, the Suntaraporn Foundation and the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation under the Crown Prince’s patronage. Proceeds were intended for the Prince’s charitable projects.
Distinguished guests included Thanpuying Pharani Mahanond, Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, Sukumol Kunplome, Atiporn Senavong, Atchara Tejapaibul, Khunying Yeepu Keokarn, Dr Kittipong Kittayarak, Woravit Chailimpamontri, Panitpim Sitthiphong, Dr Parchuen Rodpotong, Dr Piyanuch Malakul Na Ayuthya, Sunan Singsomboom and Sasitorn Sangchantr.
The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra conducted by Nora-ath Chanklum performed well-known songs by Khru Eua Sunthornsanan, founder of Suntaraporn, the revered Thai orchestral group.
The symphony’s formal treatments of Suntaraporn classics formed the evening’s highlight, beginning with the beautiful “Suntaraporn Suite” with lyrics rearranged by Nora-ath. For a medley he incorporated other hits by Eua – “Floor Fuang Fah”, “Kor Hai Meuan Derm,” “Nang Fah Jum Lang” and “Kid Teung”.
The orchestra then played “Lao Kum Hom” and “Kum Hom”, the Crown Prince’s favourites, performed by a large orchestra for the first time. Duangporn Pongphasuk soloed on the former and Cheowchan Kitsombatchai on the latter.
Guest singer Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul displayed her powerful voice on “Kid Teung” (“Chan Kra Jang Pha”). Other vocalists included National Artist Ruang-thong Thonglantom, mezzo-soprano Teeranai Na Nongkai, KPN Award winner Arm-Kornkan Sutthikoses and Suntaraporn’s rising stars.
All of the singers assembled to close the show with songs honouring the Prince – “Chai-Yo Orasati-raj” and “Sadudee Prabarom Orasatiras”.