Recent concerts by the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra have been distinguished by a noticeably high level of enthusiastic engagement by the musicians, a pleasing sign of collective relief that we are now hopefully finally emerging from the Covid-19 era once and for all.
The latest of these, on June 2 in the Main Hall of the Thailand Cultural Centre, was no exception, with all ranks of the orchestra firing on all cylinders in a mouthwateringly tuneful programme that opened with Brahms' gargantuan Piano Concerto No.2 in B-flat major, featuring the fine Italian concert pianist Irene Russo. Conducted by Music Director Michel Tilkin, the other two pieces also reflected very well the core Romantic repertoire that this partnership has explored so fruitfully in the recent seasons since Tilkin's appointment in 2018. Schubert's Unfinished Symphony and Richard Wagner's Flying Dutchman Overture were on this occasion also marked by a strong commitment and focus.
