Greek Music at the TPO

Mahidol University has a program of inviting school children from upcountry,  to spend a weekend on campus and to participate in music activities.  This group of adorable 5^th graders were waiting to attend the TPO concert.  I sat next to them and they were perfectly behaved.

MACM Hall. Mahidol University. Nakonpathom. Thailand. February 9, 2013. The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra is adept at selecting unknown music from both known and unknown composers. In its "Greek Music" program, guest conductor Alkis Baltas chose an obscure oboe concerto from the very famous Richard Strauss, and a ballet suite from the unknown Greek composer Nikos Skalkottas (1904-1949). The oboe concerto was played by the young French oboist, Philippe Tondre, who made about as much as one could from this strange sounding work. Although unmistakably Strauss, the oboe is not the most attractive instrument to listen to over a prolonged period of time, and this concerto is more an oddity than anything else.

French oboist Philippe Tandre after his performance of Richard Strauss’ oboe concerto.

Greek composer Nikos Skalkottas perhaps would get a footnote in an history of 20^th century music, but I found his "The Sea" ballet suite for orchestra, a beautiful and lush work of many moods over its eleven short movements. It was a perfect piece for the TPO to show off its many ensembles, as well as the robust sound of the full orchestra. I downloaded The Sea and will enjoy listening to it again.