Audience Mars a Beautiful Piano and Violin Recital.

Paye & Poom.  Phaya Thai Palace.  Bangkok, Thailand.  April 27, 2014.  The full-house audience at Thewarat Sapharom Hall, was treated to as fine piano playing as I have ever heard in Thailand, and very beautiful violin playing as well, in a varied program of classical works performed by pianist Poom Prommachart and violinist Paye Srinarong.  Both Thai artists have international credentials and can play with the best of them.  Unfortunately, what should have been a highlight of any year’s musical calendar, was marred by the colossally rude behavior of this audience, mainly composed of affluent and beautifully dressed adults, who should have known better.  One lady in the front row (it’s always the front row), took photos with her lighted screen raised high, throughout; she never stopped.  A woman three rows ahead of me, had her iPad going much of the time.  At any one time, in general, four audience members were taking pictures, texting, or surfing the Internet.  But, the prize goes to the lady who sat in the back, got up and walked down the center aisle, stopped about ten feet in front of the performers, and took pictures for about a minute, yes, while the performers were playing a piano and violin piece by Saint-Saens.  Poom and Paye deserved better, and so did the vast majority of the audience, who sat quietly and respectfully throughout.

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Thai pianist Poom Prommachart during the intermission.

Phya Thai Palace is now a museum.

The Thewarat Sapharom Hall on the grounds of the palace is a stunningly beautiful place for a recital.