Thai compositions dating back hundreds of years are being brought to life thanks to the dedication of Sugree Charoensuk, director of the College of Music, Mahidol University and the founder of the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra (TPO).

The orchestra, which was launched last June and is under the baton of German maestro Gudni Emilsson, plans to re-introduce a series of old and familiar Thai melodies to local listeners as well as to bring some little known classic compositions to the international stage.

"People don't want to listen to Bach and Beethoven everyday. They also want to appreciate good Thai music and an orchestra is a symbol of civilisation," says Sugree who launched Mahidol's College of Music in 1987 with only 12 students.

Today, it is the country's largest music college and receives funding both the government and private sectors to help it maintain a philharmonic orchestra that will promote the kingdom's arts, music and culture as well as entertain the public.

The TPO plays four times a month at the College of Music's Auditorium in Nakhon Pathom and will be holding two special performances on May 12 and 13 to showcase its new programme of ancient Thai music arranged in classical orchestral form.

The concerts will also feature European classical compositions and introduce an international soloist from Greece.

"The highlight of the events is the solo of well-known pianist Lambis Vassiliadis who will play Tchaikovsky's piano concerto," says Emilsson who will hand over the baton to Lt Prateep Suphanrojn for the Thai part of the programme.

"But what makes the programme even more interesting is that in addition to the European classical and romantic music, we will have a Thai music orchestra.

"I think this will draw a larger audience as it is the first time Thai music has been played in classical orchestral form.

"Thai music is in our souls. We want to conserve our ancient songs, both those that are often heard and other obscure compositions by unknown composers so that they will not be forgotten," says Prateep who has selected the old Thai melody, "Karn Kaw Kin Kluay" for the upcoming concerts.

"Some of the obscure compositions are from Dr. Sugree's collection of ancient songs, which he recorded for his music thesis some 20 years ago."

TPO aims to promote these rare compositions both locally internationally and hopes foreign listeners will appreciate their originality and unique Thai fragrance.

"Thai people tend to think of Thai derm songs as being too conventional and out of date," says Sugree.

"We need to promote original Thai music by praising our own art and culture and being proud of our music, as other nations are proud of theirs. That is how international fame is won.

"Every piece of music has its own history and culture. It reflects the composer's feelings and imagination while at the same time creating its own future through the imagination of the listener."

As it takes each musician who successfully auditions for the TPO up to two years to gain the necessary skill and professionalism, Sugree says Thailand still faces a challenge in reaching the international orchestral standards of countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China.

The TPO gave its first performance last June at the International Trumpet Guild (ITG), which was hosted by Mahidol. The College of Music had originally planned to hire a philharmonic band for the occasion.

"As it cost more than Bt1 million to hire a philharmonic orchestra for the forum, I decided we should form one ourselves," Sugree explains.

Two months later, the band played another concert at Mahidol's Music Auditorium with Chinese violinist

Liu Yunzhi performing "Butterfly Lover".

"The August event with the Chinese soloist was an even greater success than the debut at ITG, so we went ahead and started our first season in November," says Sugree.

The ardent teacher and musician who taught himself to play the saxophone, says the orchestra will continue to perform regularly through November and will feature international guest soloists at each concert.

The state-of-the-art music auditorium is designed to hold 353 people and has wheelchair access

Tickets for the concerts cost Bt200 and are available at the door. The May 12 concert starts at 7pm and the May 13 performance at 4pm.

For more information, visit www.mahidol.ac.th or call

(02) 800 2525 ext 154/155.

 JA Wijayasinha

 The Nation