Somtow scores operatic trifecta

The Thailand Culture Centre housed on February 16 and February 18 one of this Kingdom’s most incredible music events. Somtow Sucharitkul had brought to the audience two major musical compositions, both of which startled the world on their first performances, and in Bangkok, aroused emotions and enthusiasm.

It was a splendid event and the maestro was in fine form. From the opening notes of the first concert, featuring music from the Ballet Russes, Somtow exerted his full authority on the youthful Siam Sinfonietta, the members of which played magnificently throughout. 

Debussy’s wistful and evocative “Prelude a l’Apres-midi d’un Faune” was a delight to the ears, with mellow and plaintiff sounds on the woodwinds complemented by marvellous string playing.

A sizeable choir formed an almost magical background to the Polovstvian Dances from Borodin’s opera “Prince Igor”, and how enchanted the audience was. But the real fireworks came with a cracking performance of Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring”. The young players excelled at every twist and turn of this wonderful piece with Somtow in full control.

It is a fiendishly hard piece to perform with its rhythms, tonality, discord and fiery percussion – and there was no disappointment whatever. It seemed as if the Chinese New Year had arrived prematurely.

The second concert coincided with the anniversary of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani’s death seven years ago and brought the cycle of Mahler symphonies to a close, thereby fulfilling Somtow’s long-standing promise to her that he would embark on the undertaking.

And this was an even more inspirational performance than “Rite of Spring” – every emotion known to mankind is infused in the score. Ominous thundering passages sit side-by-side with radiantly beautiful moments. This time it was the turn of the Siam Philharmonic to show its skill, supplemented by excellent soloists Nancy Yuen and Grace Echauri and a 120-strong international choir.

It was one of the most memorable performances of this rousing work I have ever attended – full of vigour, energy, tenderness that plumbs the depths of spirituality and a final choral section that uplifted and inspired.

This was no ordinary run-of-the mill performance. With more than 90 musicians in the orchestra, two soloists and the vast choir, with astute direction from a maestro who understands and loves this work, the performance reached great heights. 

Nothing could be a greater tribute to the late Princess and her endearing patronage of music in Thailand than the powerful and outstanding rendition of this beloved Mahler symphony. It was a perfect ending to an enormously successful musical event.