The lengthy but historically significant piano concert "Our Tribute" made a great impression on the audience at the Settrade Auditorium at The Stock Exchange of Thailand Building on July 3.
The concert was initiated by one of the leading and most sought after contemporary piano teachers in Thailand, Dr Nopanand Chanorathaikul. Her thoughtful idea was to pay respect to the country's senior piano teachers who have given their invaluable musical vision, inspiration and devotion to improve the classical piano community in Thailand over the last 60 years.
Through the performances of a classical piano repertoire performed by the country's finest players, Dr Nopanand was inspired to stage an equivalent of the traditional Thai wai kru: a ceremony to pay respect to revered teachers. The atmosphere at the event was bright and lively, with enthusiasts, parents, students and teachers attending the programme. The event was kindly sponsored by Red Bull, the Stock Exchange of Thailand and Yamaha.
The event featured performances by 16 of Thailand's prominent young pianists. All of them veterans with experience in competing and performing abroad. They have received their essential musical training in Thailand, before continuing their exploration of the musical world in many prestigious music conservatories abroad.
Teeranai Jirasirikul.
The wide selection of challenging solo piano repertoires ranged from Scarlatti's charming keyboard sonata, played by Natnaree Suwanpotipra, to Robert Muczynski's stylish and fashionable Desperate Measures performed by Teeranai Jirasirikul, and captured the audience.
The youngest of the pianists was Gun Chaikittiwatana, who delivered Chopin's second ballade with a solid technical command and soulful musical narration. Vibrant Puripat Paesaroch gave two movements from Prokofiev's Sonata No.2 with a great sense of rhythmically-bold and energetic playing. Although the composer Aaron Copland warned that "it is not an easy piece to play", Dolpiti Kongvivatanakul unfolded the complexity of his Passacaglia with a meticulous rendition. The first half concluded with Poom Prommachart, who is now establishing himself as a professional concert pianist, and who embellished his Liszt Variations with a theme by Bach, Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen, with rather dramatic movement.
Some of the highlights in the second half included Chopin's Nocturne In C Minor, Op.48 No.1, beautifully played by Chomchat Siralat; then Suvida Neramit-aram managed to give a pleasing rendition of two Debussy preludes, both of which were filled with sonic dimensions and layers; Yosapon Kunavipakorn delivered just the right amount of expression in two famous Rachmaninoff preludes. There were other top-notch pianists on stage, such as Nicha Pimthong, Nuttawut Sae-Dan, Thanisa Durongkaveroj and Wasin Prasertlap.
The event successfully delivered the message of thanks and also showed the great promise of the new generations of professional Thai pianists. Hopefully in the near future, all of these pianists will use their tremendous skills to benefit the country.
To nurture any skill, there is no shortcut; it takes a lot of effort and time, along with wholehearted continuous dedication, belief and commitment that will lead to success.
