Tour Overview
The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, will embark on a high-profile European tour in May 2023. This tour is a collaboration between the Tourism Authority of Thailand and B. Grimm Group Ltd. The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (RBSO) is set to perform in three major European cities: Vienna, Munich, and Paris.
Aiming for the World Stage
Princess Sirivannavari has a central objective for the RBSO: to emerge onto the world stage of orchestras. This groundbreaking European tour will take place in some of the most renowned classical music venues across the continent. On May 18, the RBSO will appear at Vienna’s legendary Musikverein, known as the Golden Hall. Two days later, on May 20, the orchestra will perform at Munich’s immaculate Herkulesaal, another “shoe-box” design concert hall with superior acoustics. Finally, on May 22, the RBSO will visit Paris to play at La Seine Musicale, a modern architectural masterpiece.
Original Works and Classic Masterpieces
The tour will feature two original compositions by Princess Sirivannavari: a fantasy for piano and orchestra titled Le Mariage de Minuit, and a Concerto for Violin and Orchestra called Nefreretta. These pieces were premiered on November 25 and 26, 2022, at the Thailand Cultural Centre, in honor of His Majesty the King Rama X’s 70th birthday celebrations. The European tour’s program will also include classic masterpieces by Bedřich Smetana (The Moldau) and Antonín Dvořák (Symphony No. 8 in G major). These works have been frequently performed by the RBSO in recent seasons.
Talented Soloists and Conductor
Greek concert pianist Titos Gouvelis and German violinist Niklas Liepe, who performed in the premieres of Princess Sirivannavari’s compositions, will also join the European tour. Both Le Mariage de Minuit and Concerto for Violin and Orchestra have been recorded by the RBSO and soloists at Bangkok’s Studio 28, under the direction of Belgian maestro Michel Tilkin. Maestro Tilkin will also serve as the conductor for the tour.
A Milestone for Thailand’s Orchestra
This European tour represents a significant milestone for the RBSO and all those involved with Thailand’s most celebrated orchestra. It is expected to fill the musicians and supporters with inspiration and hope for the future, as they promote their unique blend of original compositions and classic masterpieces across Europe.
