Tchaikovsky Night with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra

Buzz with Thai pianist Sek Thongsuwan

Nakhonpathom, Thailand. August 27, 2011. Once again, the long trip from Bangkok to Mihidol University’s Salaya campus, to hear the TPO, was well worth the effort. For its penultimate concert of this season, chief conductor Gudni A. Emilsson, selected an all-Thaikovsky program consisting of the Russian master’s First Piano Concerto and Fifth Symphony. Performing perhaps the most famous of all romantic piano concerti, Thai pianist Sek Thongsuwan, played with youthful energy and power. At age 26, Sek, who is studying piano in Russia, brought to his performance a solid technique, and whatever he may have lacked in subtlety and interpretive élan, will most likely be added in future years. As of right now, he’s a pleasure to listen to.

The afternoon’s highlight for me was the TPO’s totally absorbing performance of Thaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony. The TPO is Thailand’s best orchestra and maestro Emilsson is adept at producing an orchestral sound which is both large and detailed. One way to describe Emilsson’s reading of this well-known symphony is---exciting.

This performance was attended by one of Thailand’s most powerful figures, General Prem Tinsulanonda, who is Chief of the Privy Council, which advises the King of Thailand. At 91 years of age, General Prem could pass for a person decades younger. I was amazed at his youthful vigor and mobility. It’s nice for someone as old as I am, to know that the road ahead does not always lead to decrepitude.

General Prem Tinsulanonda, Chief of the Privy Council, which advises the King of Thailand.