The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (RBSO) will perform a royal tribute concert featuring a guest soloist on oboe, in the Main Hall of Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road, on May 10 at 7.30pm.
Held in honour of HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, the "Royal Tribute: Yeon-Hee Kwak" concert will feature three complex and fascinating pieces rendered under the baton of Vanich Potavanich, resident conductor of the RBSO.
Prof Narongrit Dhamabutra's Royal Celebration Overture is based on the melody of Sathukarn -- one of the sacred compositions in the Nha-part repertoire -- used in ceremonies associated with Buddhism and Brahmanism.
The overture comprises three sections. The first opens with brass announcing the grand celebration before the main theme is passed to the strings and woodwinds. The texture of the piphat ensemble in the conclusion adds to the sacredness of the theme.
Joining the orchestra in a performance of Richard Strauss's Oboe Concerto In D Major will be Korean oboist Yeon-Hee Kwak, a multi-award winner of international music competitions and also lecturer at the Seoul National University.
The concerto was one of the last works he composed near the end of his life. It consists of three interconnected movements. However, its finale surprises with a dance-like allegro, adding a distinct character akin to a fourth movement.
The evening will conclude with Ottorino Respighi's Pines Of Rome, a four-movement tone poem composed in 1924. The piece reflects a cyclical journey around Rome's perimeter and through time, from contemporary scenes to ancient eras, symbolising beginnings and transitions. It remains one of his most celebrated orchestral works, capturing the essence of the Eternal City through its evocative music.
Tickets cost 600, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000 and 2,500 baht (half price for students and seniors aged 60 and above) and can be purchased at Thai Ticket Major booths (visit thaiticketmajor.com).
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Yeon-Hee Kwak. photos courtesy of RBSO