Bkk Opera Season reshuffled due to Somtow illness

Bkk Opera Season reshuffled due to Somtow Sucharitkul's illness

However, cardiologist Dr. Nithi and neurologist Dr. Natthe have confirmed that Somtow is suffering from a severe sleep disorder which, though life-threatening, can be completely brought under control.

Catherine French Cushing, board member who is temporarily overseeing the Bangkok Opera's operations, said: "As a creative artist, Somtow has spent his entire life working from midnight to seven on his music and writing.

On returning to Bangkok seven years ago, he's also had to work relentlessly on the administrative work of the opera, which takes place during normal business hours. Since he hasn't stopped working on his night schedule as well, it means that he has had virtually no sleep for seven years. It has seriously caught up with him and his doctors have given us the choice of going on with the season exactly as planned which might actually kill Somtow, or taking about thirty stress-free days in order for his body to relearn how to rest properly, and then being able to continue normally for a long time to come. Although Somtow has been quite insistent about continuing the season as planned, his family and the Bangkok Opera board have overruled him. I think we need to have him around for the long term."

The Bangkok Opera has announced the following changes in its programming:

The opera will be on hiatus briefly while a new administrative system is set up. Administrative questions may take a little longer to get answered. Khun Ratana and Khun Pimras will be in the office to take calls and administrative decisions will be handled by Miss Cushing and Somtow's family.

"Madama Butterfly" starring Nancy Yuen and directed by Henry Akina will go on as planned, opening on August 29. Chorus rehearsals for Butterfly, directed by Dominic Sargent, begin as planned.

The production of "Die Walkure" will be postponed until November 30, the original date for the premiere of Somtow's new opera "Dan no Ura."

The premiere of Somtow's new opera will now be put into the 2008 season. The talent search for the boy to play the young Japanese emperor will be relaunched in August.

Those who have already purchased tickets for the Wagner as of July 1 will receive the same seats for the November 30 or December 2 performances, and will in addition receive, as a bonus for their understanding, a free ticket to "Madama Butterfly" on the date of their choice. If they are unable to make either of those performances, they may opt to receive a refund from Ticketmaster or from the Bangkok Opera (depending on where they originally booked their tickets)

For information please contact the Bangkok Opera (02) 663 3236 during business hours.