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Chiang Mai Choral Society
International Performs Broadway Favorites
Masakatsu Kimura, Mark Walder,
Frank Weicks, Glynn Morgan, Narutap Euathrongchit, Richard Dixon singing
“Nothing Like a Dame”, and narrator Becky Lomax.
Rebecca Lomax
It was indeed a “Grand Night for Singing” when the Chiang Mai Choral
Society International performed “Footlights!” a selection of Broadway
favorites, at Payap University. Despite an initial “glitch” with the
sound system, and a hilarious “glitch” with the narrator, performer
after performer sang and acted their way through selections from favorites
such as “South Pacific”, “West Side Story”, “Les Miserable”,
“Sound of Music”, “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Music Man”.
Professionally directed by Pitijet
Vichitporn and beautifully accompanied on the piano by Sid Richardson,
members of the society sang solos, ensembles and choral pieces from all of
these shows and others.
The opening piece by an all-male group, “Nothing Like a Dame” brought
laughter and resounding applause from the audience and set the tone for an
evening filled with fun. Later, more serious songs, brought tears to many
eyes. The audience was especially appreciative of two ensembles, an all-Thai
group, which sang a composition by His Majesty, the King, “Falling
Rain”, and an all-Japanese group that sang two traditional Japanese songs.
As the narrator commented, “Could there be a better way of expressing our
commitment to international music and friendship?”
Of special note was that the writer of “Footlights”, Ron Creager, was in
the audience to join in the celebration of the music. The group plans a
holiday show in early December. Flowers presented at the end of the program
recognized Ajahn Xavier, Sid Richardson, and Waranan Pongcharoenkul for her
sponsorship and participation in the group, as well as Chiangmai Mail for
its history of support.
Central Airport Plaza showing
“60 Years of HM the King’s Hard Work” photo exhibition
 One
of the outstanding award-winning paintings on display at Central Airport
Plaza Department Store.
Preeyanoot Jittawong
A painting exhibition, “60 Years of HM the King’s Hard Work” is on
display until June 30 at the 2nd floor, Northern Village, Central Airport
Plaza Department Store in Chiang Mai.
Governor Suwat Tantipat and Dr. Chao Duangduen Na Chiang Mai, president of
Chiang Mai Culture Council presided over the opening ceremonies for the
exhibition to honor HM the King. The exhibition is part of the celebrations
for the 60th anniversary of ascension to the throne and to express loyalty
to HM the King, Father of the Thai people.
This exhibition is an opportunity for students and people to see 60
paintings from many skilled artists from all over Thailand. Each of the
paintings were chosen to reflect HM the King’s activities and mercy for
Thai people throughout 60 years of righteous rule.
Jiranan Phitrapreecha, SEA Write poet, composed poems from the 20 paintings
which won awards. The poem titled, “Father’s Land from His Love” will
be handed out to visitors.
Central Pattana Public Co., Central Airport Plaza and Robinson Department
Store and ICC International arranged the display.
Chao
Duangduen Na Chiang Mai, president of Chiang Mai Culture Council (3rd from
left), and Governor Suwat Tantipat (4th from left) opened the exhibition.
Work among the Hill Tribes
 A
new Insii Thai House educational project will take place soon in Chiang
Rai, Mae Chan and Insii Thai House: “The Chiang Rai Youth and Hill
Tribes’ Violin Project”.
For two months, Khun Gerty, a professional violinist from Belgium will
share her knowledge with Thai children.
The project will also introduce the violin at the Hill Tribes School of
Mae Chan for the very first time (Rongrian Suksa Song Kraw Maechan).
If you would like to know more about this project, please visit
www.insiithaihouse.tk (“Events” / “Next Event”).
”Every project undertaken with the Mae Chan Hill Tribes School has
been rewarded by lots of happiness,” said a spokesperson for Insii
Thai House. “This time again, we will share the result of our efforts
to help the local community by inviting you to a concert on August 20th,
at Insii Thai House.”
Expats in Oils
Phillip Johnson
The Chiangmai Expats Club (CEC) held its regular meeting on Saturday, June
10, at 10.30 a.m., at the Chiangmai Orchid Hotel on Huey Kaew Road.
The focus of the meeting was on the recently formed shared interest groups
whose memberships are growing each week. CEC members are getting together
with the Nature Club, the Social Club (formerly the Retirement Group),
which boasts involvement in travel, photography, book reading and dining
out, the Computer Club, the Classic Car Club, and the Cooking Club. One
member announced that he is hosting a ‘potluck’ every second and fourth
Wednesday at his home in Sara Phi.
Laura Spector, a local artist of ArtSpace (artspacecm @yahoo.com) at 43/10
Kamphaengdin Rd., Soi 3, T.Haiya, announced an opportunity for CEC members
who are interested in expressing their artistic and drawing skills to drop
by the place “Where the Art Community Meets”. Laura stated that art
classes are for beginner and intermediate levels, focusing on a variety of
oil painting techniques. Not only are you able to express your talents on
paper and/or canvas, but you may also wish to volunteer as a live model.
Contact Laura at 0-4041-7982 for additional information.
The next CEC meeting will be held on Saturday, June 24, and will feature
Dr. Carolina Thompson, a wonderful lady who is devoted to assisting and
helping children who need the caring and understanding every child should
have. Dr. Thompson will provide names of worthwhile organizations through
which CEC members are able to share a portion of their time.
Payap Sacred Music Singers to perform June 24
Payap
University invites everyone to see the concert of Payap Sacred Music
Singers before the international competition in China.
Chiangmai Mail
Reporters
Payap University invites everyone to see the choir of the Music
Department on Saturday June 24, 2006 between 7–8.30 p.m. at the Great
Hall, Somsawalee Building, and Payap University, Kaew Nawarat Campus.
Aryoo Namthep, the choir’s conductor announced that this concert will
given by the choir from the Music Department of Payap University called
“Payap Sacred Music Singers” made up of teachers, students, and
alumni of Music Department. This choir has been chosen by the Choir
Association of Thailand to be one of four choirs competing in the 4th
Choir Olympics/World Choir Games at Xiamen, People’s Republic of China
on July 15-16, 2006. It is considered a great honor for Payap University
to spread its reputation further afield than Chiang Mai and Thailand.
Every singer is practicing hard everyday at both singing and dancing to
create a good impression to the referees and audiences.
Before going to China, Payap University will hold this concert for the
choir as a dress rehearsal in front of an audience, to gauge the
reaction from Chiang Mai people. The concert, is called “Lanna Choral
to Xiamen Olympics 2006”. Those who are interested in this event and
want to be with your children, reserve your seats at the Public
Relations Office, Payap University, Tel. 0-5385-1478 Ext. 240, 241.
The Payap Sacred Music Singers was formed in 1999 by Ajarn Ayu Namtep to
study and perform polyphonic sacred music from various periods and other
choral pieces, both classical and popular. Every year during their
Christmas vacation, they go on tour to sing Latin mass in churches, and
perform Charity concerts for audiences in different provinces all over
the country. Last year they passed the audition to represent Thailand in
the Choir Olympics 2006 (World Choir Competition), which will take place
in Xiamen, China in July, 22-26.
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