Revolution Arts

DAS JATI
Thailand Cultural Centre, Bangkok 29 July 2024

Epic does not begin to describe the colossal scale of Thai composer Somtow Sucharitkul’s cycle of ten operas tracing the various incarnations of the Buddha.

Tonight’s performance of ‘Das Jati’ at the Thailand Cultural Centre presented highlights from the cycle in a series of nine vast scenes with evocative titles such as ‘The Chariot of Heaven’, The Architect of Dreams’ and The Dragon Lord. These gave an insight into this vast project which makes even Wagner’s Ring cycle look modest.

This monumental work has already been in development for 25 years with three operas still to be completed. Sung in English with lyrics by the composer himself each scene was immediately understandable and accessible to an international audience which enhances their appeal.

Musically it is as broad as the world itself ranging stylistically from the lyricism of John Williams to the angular dissonance of Stravinsky, and with Indian (and more) instruments thrown in for additional vibrant splashes of colour.

Somtow has set his ambitions even higher with a future vision of a Bayreuth style festival here in Bangkok with performances of all ten operas on a continuous cycle and providing employment for thousands in the process. Knowing the scale of his achievements far, I would not be at all surprised if this becomes a reality.

Nicholas Keyworth

Delighted to premiere Nicholas Keyworth’s ‘Three Textures for Violin and Piano’ on 28 March. Performed brilliantly by Jun Komatsu and Pisoot Saay-op-oua, this short set of three miniatures makes a great concert filler. This was part of the the beautiful Tuplane House concert series with its ‘Monet’ inspired garden. Available soon from Revolution Arts.

Thrilled with the premiere of my ‘The Story of the Great White Horse’ at the Bangkok Arts & Cultural Centre in Bangkok as part of the Spotlight Performing Arts Festival. Performed by twenty talented young performers together with narrator Darren Royston, debut of tenor Famous Kempetch, fantastic players from Siam Sinfonietta, and supported by the brilliant team at EduProgress, Thailand, this work will be available soon from Revolution Arts.

Rehearsals well underway for tonight’s Thailand, Premier of ‘The Story of the Great White Horse’ by Nicholas Keyworth and Philip Jamieson.

https://www.ticketmelon.com/eduprogress/spotlightshowcase

Wow! What a magical event: ‘The Story of the Long Gone Animals’ at the magnificent Prince Mahidol Hall with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra. Huge congratulations to Napisi and Krisada Reyes for this sensational, beautiful, moving and very relevant opera cleverly programmed on Children’s day 2024.

The message in the work really did hit an emotive spot - visually, musically and through the narrative. The performers were all wonderful with excellent singing, staging, costumes, and of course the animals themselves. Echoes of ‘Lion King’ there! And the magical shadow puppets projected onto the huge screen was a master stroke which gave an added dimension to the whole performance.

What a great privilege to witness the success of Trinity Rock&Pop a decade after it was created by Nicholas Keyworth and the team at Trinity in a fabulous six day Rock&Pop Fest in Bangkok showcasing 300 talented young musicians.

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