the flute in full flight

The quartetsimo is ready to meserise fans this Sunday.

Stephanie du Chatellier              

SPECIAL TO THE NATION

 You can explore four centuries of classical music at a delightful recital by the Quartetsimo this Sunday on the 38th floor of the Sofitel Silom Bangkok Hotel.

 As part of the Ibycus Sunday concert Series, the recital will demonstrate the musical prowess of the Quartetsimo, comprising violinist Apichart Ninlapat, violist Prasit Srikum, cellist Phiphat Suanchoopol and flautist Bantoon Tangpaiboon.

 They will enchant the audience with hauntingly beautiful pieces ranging from the baroque to the modern.

 Opening the concert will be Johann Pachelbel's "Canon", filling the room with its iconic chord progression, followed by Jeremiah Clarke's "Trumpet Voluntary", his crowning piece.

 Then it's time for the greats, Beethoven's "Rondo Espressivo" and Mozart's "Eine kleine Nachtmusik".

 Schubert's "Military March" buoyantly sets off the second half of the programme, continuing the reign of the classical and romantic era.

 Dvorak's beloved "Humoresque", followed by Mercadante's "Flute Quartet in E minor", will bewitch the ear.

 A special treat is an aria from the final act of Puccini's "Turandot", one of the best-known tenor arias in all opera, now carried by flute. Arthur Benjamin's "Jamaican Rumba" will bid us a light-hearted goodbye on a journey throughout 400 years of music's most loved pieces.

 Founded by resident musicians of the Thai Royal Army Symphony Orchestra and Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, Quartetsimo plays music spanning many periods and genres in order to help young Thai musicians better understand how it can be interpreted.

 Lead player Apichat has high hopes of making this a world-class quartet, recognised both at home and overseas.

 Complimentary pastries, tea and coffee will be served before the performance. The concert starts at 4pm.

 Afterwards, guests can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine with the musicians, courtesy of Village Farm Winery.

 Tickets are Bt600 - Bt400 for those under 18 - at the Sofitel Silom Bangkok at (02) 238 1991 and Ibycus at (02) 932 9208. There is a 15-per-cent discount for Advantage Plus cardholders.

 For more details, visit www.IbycusThailand.com.