Under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra celebrated the birthday of HM Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana recently at the Thailand Cultural Centre, once again generously supported by B.Grimm and directed most expertly by resident conductor Dr Vanich Potavanich.
The first half of the concert belonged entirely to Franz Liszt, that most imposing of 19th century composer-virtuosos, whose Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 C-sharp Minor (here in its popular C minor Müller-Berghaus orchestration) got proceedings off to a rousing start. The lugubrious, brooding opening Lassan section immediately showcased brilliant principal clarinetist Yos Vaneesorn, whilst the fiery Friska was a veritable whirlwind of relentless energy.
Piano soloist Phu Koanantakool began studies at the remarkably mature age of 17, which makes his catalogue of achievements all the more remarkable.
