A Little Bit of French and German. Bangkok Art & Cultural Center. August 1, 2014.

Photo (left to right) Kritt’s brother; Benjamin Heim (cello);  Samuel Rueff (flute); person who presented flowers; Siwat Chuencharoen (piano); Krit Niramittham (piano); Bank Ngamarunchot (author and narrator for Carnival of the Animals).

 Summer is a good time for music lovers in Bangkok because many of this city’s talented young players take a short break from their studies at prestigious conservatories abroad, to spend some time here with friends and family, and to perform for the general public.  Not do they play very well, but their enthusiasm and charm are infectious. For this evening’s delightful program of German and French music, Thai pianists Siwat Chuencharoen and Krit Niramittham, both of whom have completed or are completing piano performance degrees at, respectively, Bern and Lausanne, brought with them friends from school, flautist Samuel Rueff and cellist Benjamin Heim, and together they made an engaging ensemble which demonstrated that good music does not have to be ponderous as long as it is well-played by artists who have thought through their performances and are dedicated to bringing to them, interpretations that are idiomatic and heart-felt, which takes a lot of talent and skill, both of which these fine young artists have in abundance.  Siwat, Krit, Samuel and Benjamin could take tonight’s program on the road to any country, and be assured of as much cheering as they received from tonight’s very happy audience.