Bangkok--13 Mar--Grayling Thailand
International and local judges all agree. The standard of this year’s Conrad Young Musician of Thailand competition will make the final playoff performance on April 4, a ‘must see’ event.
The competition, organized by the Royal Over-Seas League in Thailand (ROSL), is in its third year and according to the judges, the standard of performances has been the best ever .
“The performances have been quite remarkable”, said Chief Judge, Chris Craker. “Not only is the technical skill outstanding, the contestants have also shown real flair in the delivery of their performance as well”.
At stake for the winner, is the highly prestigious 2009 Royal Trophy, given by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The winner will also receive 100,000 baht, and a free trip to the UK where he or she will perform in July in a special ‘Friends of ROSL Arts’ Summer Garden Party and concert. The first prize also includes cultural visits and consultation lessons with prominent UK teachers, followed by a week at Dartington International Summer School.
“This is our third year of organising Thailand’s premier competition for young musicians in Thailand and the standard achieved by these talented young people is truly outstanding,” said ROSL Chairman, Mr Jim Napier. “The opportunity for the winner to gain experience and exposure in the UK , is an integral part of the Royal Over-Seas League commitment to promotion of culture and art in Thailand.”
The event is supported by the Conrad Hotel and Yamaha.
More than 50 children aged from 14 - 18 years from schools and universities across the nation entered the competition by forwarding CDs of their performances to the ROSL. From these, 17 semi-finalists were chosen to perform live in front of a judging panel of two international and one Thai judge last weekend (Mar 7-8) .
Against stiff local competition with students from Mahidol University, Aum-Aree Music School, Shrewsbury and Harrow International School, and other Bangkok schools, two students from out of Bangkok, one at the Prince Royals College of Chiang Mai and another at Khonkaenwattayon School, Konkaen, performed very very well to make it through to the semi-final stage.
A wide variety of instruments was also in evidence with performances including piano, violin,
viola, saxophone, marimba and guitar.
But now the final five have been chosen, and the excitement is mounting. The finalists are:
(left to right in accompanying picture)
Krit Niramittham, (17) from Siam Kolkarn Music School, playing piano
Supak Wittayanukulluk, (17) from Khonkaenwittayayon School, playing clarinet
Heewon Woo, (17) from Shrewsbury International School, Bangkok, playing violin
Sethawut Ruangsirinusorn, (16) from Nat Studio, playing piano
Kantapong Rakbankerd (16) from College of Music, Mahidol University, playing marimba
Overseeing the finals performance as Honorary Advisor is Privy Councillor, M.L. Usni Pramoj. He will be ably assisted by four international judges including Chief Judge, Chris Craker.
Those wishing to attend the finals should register their interest with the Royal Over-Seas League through their website www.roslthailand.com . Attendance will be strictly limited to 200 people.
Released for Royal Over-Seas League (Thailand)
By Grayling Thailand
For further information:
Justin Barnett 02- 635-7151-4 office
Wikanda Promkhuntong