29 August 2022 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
From a bustling restaurant scene to great coffee shops, Ljubljana as diverse cultural destination seemed to have it all! Named as one of Europe’s most livable cities and green capital, the city’s atmosphere feels joyful, easy-going, relaxed, and rather untouched by mass tourism. Old and charming areas, dominated by the architectural visions of the father of design, Plečnik, are fused with the hip cultural and art scene. A wonderful leisure moment and opportunity for optimal mental preparation before the successful evening concert!
From the 21th of June until the 8th of September 2022, the 70th edition of the prestigious and internationally acclaimed Ljubljana festival takes place at different locations around the town. The Ljubljana Festival significantly contributes to the cultural life of Ljubljana with a carefully selected programme covering a wide variety of genres, including ballet, opera and theatrical productions, musicals, chamber and orchestral concerts, masterclasses, and children’s and youth workshops. Its main activity is the organisation of the international summer festival, which has put the Slovenian capital city on the map of globally important cultural and art venues during the summer months. More than 4000 artists from more than 40 countries are hosted with events drawing an audience of more than 60,000 people.
Thailand Phil is humbled to be part of the 70th edition of the renowned Ljubljana Festival, and to perform together with Hungarian violin virtuoso, Kristóf Baráti, the Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 22 of the Polish composer Henryk Wieniawski. Under the baton of their chief conductor, Alfonso Scarano, Thailand Phil was able to support the masterful playing of Baráti, who has performed on world-class music stages and is admired for his flawless technique and breathtaking nuances of musical expression. The concert programme is completed by the composition titled Phenomenon of the Thai composer and Dean of the Mahidol University, College of Music in Thailand, Narong Prangcharoen. In the composer’s words, the work Phenomenon originated as an attempt to express the feelings experienced by observing mysterious phenomena, such as the northern lights.
Two jazz-coloured works by L. Bernstein and G. Gershwin put the cherry on top of the cake, bringing about a standing ovation and exceptionally generous applause by the Slovenian audience! Thank you Ljubljana! Nasvidenje!
Story by: Hannelore Vermeir, Principal Clarinet, Thailand Phil
