Bangkok--26 Sep--SET
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in conjunction with the College of Music, Mahidol University will host the 19th "SET Youth Music Contest" for 2016 to select the most talented musicians among youth, aiming to encourage and offer them a venue to showcase their talents, with the contest prize worth more than THB 1.8 million (approx. USD 51,400).
SET President Kesara Manchusree said that SET supports youth development in many dimensions, not only in the financial and investment knowledge, but also the development of other beneficial life skills. Thus, it's a great honor for SET in cooperation with the College of Music, Mahidol University, to again hold the SET Youth Music Contest.
"Apart from academic knowledge, musical skills empower young people to develop a good personality, balanced emotions, and keen intellect. Musical study provides a positive use of free time, and musical skills can be developed in order to be beneficial for the youth themselves, their families, and society as a whole. Over the years, this musical competition has allowed more than 18,500 contestants to showcase their talents. And some of these young competitors have been able to further develop their musical talents and pursue careers in music while building a reputation on both national and global stages," said Kesara.
Sugree Charoensook, Dean of the College of Music, Mahidol University, said that the SET Youth Music Competition has become an important event because it is open to all kinds of acoustic (non-electric) musical instruments including singing, without limiting to any specific musical genre. Furthermore, the competition is also open to young contestants from primary school students to undergrad students.
"The SET Youth Music Competition highlights both the talents of young people and the uniqueness of each category of instrument. The principles of the judging focus on melodic qualities of the music and the contestant's ability to show the art of music performance. Thus, the stage for this competition provides an platform on which young people gain valuable and beneficial experience," added Sugree.
Throughout the years of this competition, many of the young musicians who appeared on the stage have continued on in their musical careers to achieve both nationally and internationally. These include a young classical guitarist Chinnawat Themkumkwun, a talented cellist Tapalin Charoensook, a classical guitarist Ekachai Jearakul and an opera singer Auranus Yuenyonghattaporn.
The SET Youth Music Competition of Thailand requires the contestants to play any acoustic (non-electric) musical instruments; for example: folk instruments, Thai musical instruments ("saw" fiddle, "ranat" xylophone, "khaen" mouth organ, "phin" mandolin, "pi" flute, "khlui" flute, "phin phia" mandolin, "Grajabpi" four-stringed lute); or western musical instruments (including piano, guitar, horns, harp, etc.); or vocal singing.
The competition is divided into four levels: primary school, junior high school, senior high school, and undergraduate education (contestant's age must be 25 years or younger). Awards worth more than THB 1.8 million include certificates and scholarships as well as a music scholarship to the College of Music, Mahidol University, for the gold medalist.
Young musicians can send submissions from now until September 30, 2016. Details and application can be applied fromwww.music.mahidol.ac.th/set/, or call 0-2800-2525 extension 151