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Published on October 13, 2007

 is known for her sweet voice, especially when it comes to her sensual rendering of old love songs. Normally a guest singer, the woman with the crystal-clear vocals is about to hold the first solo concert of her 20-year-old career.

"Orrawee Sujjanon - Pleng Whan Klang Krung Concert" will be held at the Thailand Cultural Centre on October 27 and 28. All her classics will be rearranged so that a full orchestra conducted by Vichai Poonyayan can complement her.

She says that the source of her happiness is singing - seeing the beaming faces of her fans on concert tours or performing on her own in the studio. "I'm very into music, and especially lyrics. I tend to turn off the light in the studio and be touched by emotional songs in the dark. It's normal for me to cry during the sad ones."

Orrawee has made 64 albums in total. Her repertoire of Thai romantic golden oldies (pleng luk krung) includes many of big-band Suntaraporn's old numbers, as well as classics like "Waew Seang Sung", "Sanam Arom", "Rak Tong Ham", "Mae Sai", "Sai Nam Mai Lhai Klab" and "Yang Cham Dai Mai".

She says her deepest ambition is to preserve the charm and elegance of these old dance tunes.

"Times change. The oldies have shrunk to a niche taste. I'm afraid they're dying out, and I don't want that to happen," she explains.

"I feel slighted that Thais don't see their virtue. Many songs were adapted from Thai traditional music - they're part of our heritage. The refined music and lyrics stand alongside literature or poetry in terms of cultural value. Sometimes the lyrics may be reflecting a simple message, but the master composer will try to arrange the words in a subtle way that reflects hidden messages. It's funny that it's not until people go home [after a concert] that they realise the songs' meanings," says Orrawee.

The style of music was a favourite with her parents, and as a child Orrawee would hum or sing along when it came on the radio. She's a self-trained singer who got her break in the music industry by winning competitions, in particular the Thailand Singing Contest.

But her real prize, Orrawee believes, is the sweet voice she was born with. Loved for it and able to make a living from it, she wants to return the gift by making all the merit she can.

 An even higher priority, though, is to remember the old artists who created and sang such wonderful songs. "Paying respect to the masters is important: I've covered so much of their work and I'm grateful. I hope to carry on the mission, and I'll be delighted if a new generation singers perpetuates the country's old romantic music."

Tickets for "Orrawee Sujjanon - Pleng Whan Klang Krung Concert" are available from ThaiTicketMajor.com or by calling (02) 262 3456.

 Kupluthai Pungkanon

 The Nation