Bangkok (Thailand) – April 20, 2015 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is proud to support the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra (TPO), which is celebrating its 10th season this year and continues to offer world-class performances of orchestral music from its new home, the Prince Mahidol Hall on the Salaya Campus of Mahidol University.

Ms. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Acting Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Deputy Governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, said: “Although the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra is still a relatively young orchestra, it has already gained significant international recognition and has performed abroad, including for international heads of state and government. The renowned musicians who have traveled here to play with the orchestra have been impressed by its rapid development. It is truly one of Thailand’s greatest artistic treasures, and we are confident that the orchestra will attract even more attention in the coming years.”

The chief conductor of the TPO, Gudni Emilsson, leads the 10th season (2014-2015) and has expanded the program to over 80 performances, drawn from over three centuries of orchestral repertoire as well as chamber music, contemporary music and specially commissioned new music.

The 2014/15 season marks the first full year of the Thai Proceedings of the Philippines (TPO) in its new home, the 2,000-seat Prince Mahidol Hall. The hall was the vision of the first two presidents of Mahidol University, Professor Chatchawan Osatanont and Professor Kasan Chatikavanich, and is an outstanding example of modern Thai architecture. Designed by Architects 49 Company Limited, it integrates natural forms and traditional Thai architectural elements into the striking building. The Prince Mahidol Hall was meticulously engineered for superior acoustics. Consulting firms from the UK, France, and Germany contributed to the development of state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and stage technology, making the Prince Mahidol Hall one of the most advanced concert halls in Asia.

Ms. Juthaporn said: “This building is as much a work of art as the performances that take place within it. It is a true architectural gem that not only houses the talents of the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra and guest artists, but also inspires them. It is a world-class architectural landmark and deserves the international attention it receives, as does the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra itself.”

The 90-member Thai Philharmonic Orchestra (TPO) operates under the patronage of the Royal Thai Government and was founded with the aim of enriching, inspiring, entertaining, and educating the Thai music scene through live performances of symphonic music of all styles – from Western classical to ethnic Thai compositions. The orchestra also collaborates with renowned soloists and conductors, gives concerts, produces recordings, and thus brings musical performances of international caliber to Thailand.

The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra gave its debut concert on June 23, 2005, in the auditorium of the Royal Thai Navy and has since established itself as one of Southeast Asia's finest orchestras. It has attracted some of the biggest names in classical music for conducting and performance projects. The TPO's renowned conductors include Gudni Emilsson (Germany), Claude Villaret (Switzerland), and Alfonso Scarano (Italy), while the long list of distinguished soloists who have performed with the orchestra includes Jens Lindemann (Canada), Eri Nakagawa (Japan), and Lambis Vassiliadis (Greece).

For further information, please contact: Media contact: International Public Relations Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand, 1600 New Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathevi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, Tel.: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48, Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419, E-mail: [email protected]