Songs for eternity

In tribute to the Supreme Artist, His Majesty the King, on the occasion on his 84th anniversary, the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, and Gitasiravadha Foundation recently presented a concert titled “A tout jamais… Till Eternity” at Siriraj Hospital.
Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn graciously presided over the concert, featuring 27 of His Majesty’s compositions translated for the first time into French.
His Majesty found his early inspirations in Switzerland where he began composing at the age of 20. He composed 48 songs, writing five of the original lyrics in English. In 2009, His Majesty gave Royal Permission for 27 of his musical inspirations to be revived and adapted in French.
The French versions were translated by dedicated linguist, Premika Sucharitkul, a graduate of L’Institut Superieur d’Interpretariat et de Traduction and the Sorborne University in Paris. Despite her expertise in the language, she says that she is very honoured to be the translator and to sing “L’Eau de la Vie” (“Sai Fon”).
“I found this responsibility very hard. I spent many hours practising the song,” she says.
Other honorary artists and singers included Anuchit Nantakwang, Smithi Siribhat, Dr Wibhoo Kamnerddee, Maneepatsorn Molloy, Adcharavadee Jiramaneekul, Laurent Santos and Christophe Decamps.
Moreover, to promote the learning of French language through His Majesty’s most beautiful melodies, and make His Majesty’s music known to French speaking communities, a limited edition of unique gifts sets are now available. The sets are include two CD albums, a coffee table book with 130 pages dedicated to His Majesty’s biography within the world of arts and music in French and Thai, and lyrics in both languages illustrated in watercolours by Premika.
Revenue from the sales of the prestigious set (Bt2,900) and the premium set (Bt900) will be donated to the Ananda Mahidol Foundation under His Majesty’s Royal Patronage.