Bangkok--6 Jul--Total Quality PR
Ms. Thaitow Sucharitkul, Vice President of Bangkok Opera; Mr. David Wheeler, Khun Ploypailin's spouse; Mr. Somtow Sucharitkul, President of Bangkok Opera, Composer, and Artistic Director of Opera Siam International; Ms. Zansanee Suvarnazorn, Mr. Paul's spouse; Mr. Paul Choong, Advisor to President and CEO of Thai Beverage Public Company; and Ms. Tassachon Thepgumpanat, Deputy Director-General of Department of Cultural Promotion after her performance in Tavatimsa Scene from Nemiraj — The Chariot of Heaven.
A compilation of scenes from the first five operas in the cycle was recently staged at Thailand Cultural Center to honor the King's 70th Regnal Year. Major sponsors include Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, the Department of Cultural Promotion, Pasaya, and the Crown Property Bureau.
The biggest highlight was the world premiere of the Tavatimsa scene from Nemiraj — The Chariot of Heaven, the most recently completed opera in the cycle.
"We are deeply gratified that Khun Ploypailin Jensen has agreed to play the role of Atma, the Soul, in the 33 Gods Scene," said Somtow Sucharitkul, an ASEAN's leading opera composer and distinguished Silapathorn Artist of Thailand, adding that "The entire cycle is my final gift to the country and to our beloved dynasty, and this cameo by His Majesty's granddaughter is a beautiful symbol of Thailand's deep connection with and love for our King."
Among other celebrities, Jonas Anderson plays Vayu, the Wind God. Stacey Tappan plays Agni, the Fire God, and Nadlada Thamtanakom of the Flemish Opera plays Antariksha, the Goddess of the Interstellar spaces. Myra Molloy plays Nakshastra, Goddess of the stars, and jazz celeb Athalie De Koning plays Prana, the Life-Force.
This is the first time an ensemble of 33 individual voices has ever been scored for in an opera (usually the most is about seven or eight.) To put together a massive ensemble number like this has been a scheduling nightmare, says Somtow, but "I have been really gratified that so many big names want to be part of this historic moment."