A NIGHT OF PRODIGIES

Young talent and esteemed artists celebrated the legacy of King Rama IX at Thailand Cultural Centre

- ■WILLIAM NIALL MORRIS

In 1978, composer John Williams won the Best Original Music Oscar for his work on the movie Star Wars.

We've all heard the main theme countless times over the years, but listening to it performed by a live symphony orchestra is a whole new intergalactic experience. Such was the intense power of the Siam Sinfonietta as it swept over the Main Hall of the Thailand Cultural Centre that my nine-year-old nephew, Hummer, was pinned to his seat with wide-eyed wonder.

The future of classical music in Thailand lies in the hands of the young and nobody knows this better than Somtow Sucharitkul. He has nurtured the musical talents of the nation for decades, giving his time, knowledge and often his own personal resources. Somtow continues to guide the young composers, conductors, singers and instrumentalists of this country with such generosity that it's hard to imagine classical music in Thailand without his guiding light.

Maestro Somtow and his Siam Sinfonietta earlier this month presented an evening of music which was one of the best classical events of the year so far. The concert, "Possible Dreams", showcased some of Thailand's very finest soloists against a backdrop of wonderful playing from this young, virtuoso orchestra.