As Thais all over the world bid final farewell to His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Thursday night, musicians and dancers paid their own tributes with performances on three stages running from dusk to dawn.

Music in the form of the late Monarch’s compositions was very much in evidence on stage three in front of Thammasat University in the royal cremation ground with the much-loved runs performed by some of Thailand’s finest symphony orchestras.

Indeed, seven symphony orchestras with a grand total of more than 1,000 performers, musicians and singers took to stage three during the night.

Formally designated “Tha Khue Duangjai Thai Thua Lah”, the stage featured seven acts, which kicked off with “Duj Yard Thip Chalom Lah”. Divided into two parts, the first segment offered stunning renditions by musicians of orchestras from the Fine Arts Department, Bunditpatanasilpa Institute, Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music, the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and chorus singers of Rajini School of the song “Raja Phu Song Tham”. Originally recorded by Thongchai “Bird” McIntyre, the song is inspired by the late King’s words at his coronation – “We shall reign in righteousness for the benefits and happiness of the Siamese people”. It was followed by “Nai Luang Khong Paendin”, which draw not only applause from the crowd but also tears.

The current four members of Au Saw Friday – Non Buranasomphop on tenor saxophone, Sandat Tandhanan on trombone, Aniruth Tinakorn Na Ayudhya on guitar and Pathorn Srikaranonda on alto sax – the band founded by the late Monarch, jammed with the orchestras on royal compositions “Nature Waltz” and “No Moon”. The band takes its name from the first letters of Amporn Sathan Hall where the King and other members would play music together every Friday evening.

Other royal songs, sung in Thai and English versions, included “Old-Fashioned Melody”, “Candlelight Blues”, “Smiles”, “Echo”, “Still on My Mind”, “Somewhere Somehow”, “HM Blues”, “Never Mind the Hungry Men’s Blues” and “The Impossible Dream”, the latter performed by Kittinan Chinsamran, who shot to fame from “The Voice Thailand”, in his strong baritone voice. The first part wrapped with the powerful voices of chorus singers from Rajini School on “Alexandra.”

The music was followed by the ballet “Manorah” featuring the score written by King Bhumibol and choreographed by Sutee Pakdeedeva. The ballet, which is based on the late King’s composition “Kinari Suite” and features “Nature Waltz”, “The Hunter”, “Kinari Waltz”, “A Love Story” and “Blue Day”, is set in the mythical Himmaphan Forest and narrates the love that blooms between legendary prince Phra Suthon and the supernatural kinari (half-bird and half-human) princess called Manorah.

To a backdrop of a waterfall, the dancers put on a stunning show exquisitely attired in costumes of lotus and marigolds and also dressed tigers, bees, deer, butterflies, monkeys, peacocks and snakes in the forest.

The music was also a reminder of how far His Majesty the late King’s musical talent reached. On October 3, 1964, the Nieder Osterreich Tonkunstler Orchestra, conducted by Heinz Walsberg, performed “Kinari Suite”, as well as “Falling Rain”, “Love at Sundown”, “The Royal Marines March”, and “Royal Guards March” at Vienna’s Concert Hall to such acclaim that two days after, the Government of Austria presented the late King with an honorary membership, No 23, of the Institute of Music and Arts of the City of Vienna.

As the night drew on, orchestras from four army units of the country took the stage for their individual performances. The Royal Thai Army’s “Tai Fah Rom Yen Proh Phra Baramee” featuring Suttipong Wattanajang and a chorus of soldiers performed “King Rama IX” and the Royal Thai Navy “Thuay Ras Nom Sadudee” played “Khon Bon Fah” (“The Man’s in the Sky”), “Saeng Thien, Saeng Thip” and ended with veteran baritone vocalist Santi Lunpae’s rendition of “The Impossible Dream”. “Thawai Phakdi Ong Rachan” by the Royal Thai Air Force and “Sathit Niran Nai Jai Ras” by the Royal Thai Police closed out this segment with performances of royal compositions.

The night on Stage Three ended with orchestral renditions from the Public Relations Department in “Puang Kha Bat Bangkhom Thawai”, and Chulalongkorn University Band in “Soo Sawan Kalai Nai Thip Vimarn”, the latter performing songs the late King composed for several universities including Chulalongkorn, Thammasat and Kasetsart, for his first band Lay Kram – “Lay Kram Goes Dixie” – as well as “Love” and “Menu Khai”

Pongprom Snitwong Na Ayuthaya – one of Thailand’s most eminent composers, songwriters and arrangers – has created a Thai requiem in honour of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the first time such a work has found its way into the country’s musical library.

“I spent ages researching the songs composed in remembrance of the late King Bhumibol since last year and looked at how their lyrics were related to the late King. Almost all of them touched on love and loyalty from the songwriters’ perspectives – and appropriately so, as this conveyed the feelings of his people. But I couldn’t find a song that told the story of the King. That prompted me to score a song relating to his life that would tell the world who the late King was and what he did for his country and people,” Pongprom explains.

“After that, I thought about what kind of a song can be dedicated to our beloved monarch. As a musician, I know about the requiem, which is a Roman Catholic mass for the repose of the soul though it is now more widely used in other religions,” says Pongprom.

“A requiem was traditionally Western classical music and long, divided into settings. Over the centuries it has developed into other musical genres such as folk. In both its instrumental and sung forms, it conveys grief though often not the identity of the person for whom it is being played or sung. I felt that my requiem for the late King had to convey not only that grief but also the late King and his work, hence the words,” he adds.

Titled “Phra Phu Ma Prode” in Thai and “Phra Mahadhamracha Bhumibol” in English, the requiem runs for 11 minutes 47 seconds. It is performed by 160 international and traditional Thai musicians and vocalists, who have come together with one heart, one mind and one love to record the work. They include Billy Ogan, Peter Corp Dyrendal, Chawin “Jugg” Chitsomboon, Sakda Pathasima of Inca, Nopanan “Kor” Prayoonsuk of The Olarn Project, Isariya Kooprasert, Supatra Korad, Tippawan Pinpiban, Promsorn “Fang” Riewpakorn, Thalassa Tapia Ruano Ferrand, Kittinant “Fung” Chinsamran, Dr Jaruwaree “Fah” Snidwongse Na Ayuthaya, Jaoh Varavudhi, Naruedon “Knot” Suteerasak, Benyapa Sukeenu, Apinya “Nudee” Sangkhasanya, and Air Chief Marshal Anuphan Snitwong na Ayuthaya.

“The vocalists were all in tears during the recording. I was careful in giving them each one phrase in a verse that matched their vocal tone,” says Pongprom.

This extended musical composition in Thai style is divided into four settings or acts: “Krab Phrabat”, “Phra Bodhisattva Song Juti” (“The Incarnation of Phra Bodhisattva”), “Prach Haeng Din Lae Nam” (“Philosopher of Earth and Water”) and “Krab Bangkhom La”.

“The composition is not the same as a Western requiem but truly Thai in style. The first act covers our condolences for the late King. It opens with the sound of Ajarn Thanis Sriklindee’s khlui and continues in a minor scale to convey loneliness and grief. Traditional Thai music and Thai-style singing are prominent in the second act and combine the mood of Thai and Brahmin music with the tabla. This act is concerned with the late King’s astrological position as cast by Plu Luang [late National Artist Prayoon Uluchita]. All our astrologers appreciated the perfect star of the late King and the astrological position appeared in his royal duties – the late King devoted himself to work hard for the wellbeing of his people and he had a natural talent for science and arts.

“The music then segues into modern classical with a light mood and tone. This third act features five verses related to the late King’s wisdom and guidance as well as his projects. Those verses include ‘We shall reign in righteousness for the benefits and happiness of the Siamese people’, ‘If the people don’t abandon me, how can I abandon them?’, ‘We are not fighting against people; we are fighting against hunger. If we make this and the people have a better life, the people you call communist insurgents will have a better life also, so everybody’s happy’, ‘Pid thong lang phra’ (‘Doing good without boasting’), ‘Use wits to solve problem’ and ‘Our loss is our gain’. It also covers the late King’s sufficiency economy philosophy, cultivation of three kinds of forests for four benefits, that trees should be planted first in the hearts of the people, fon luang [artificial rain] and transforming the opium-growing areas into agricultural farms enriched with high-value products.

“And the requiem ends with ‘Thawai Bangkom La’, which explains how the late King dedicated his body and soul to improve water management and reverse the effects of soil erosion throughout his 70 years on the throne. We must continue the late King’s commitments,” explains the 55-year-old.

Pongprom is quite sure that if foreigners listen to the requiem, they will get to know who the late King was and what he did for his country and people. “Most importantly, they will understand why all Thai people around the country grieve for him.”

Tribute in four acts

– Listen to and download “Requiem: Phra Mahadhamracha Bhumibol” at http://RequiemKingRama9.com/

Yuenyong, known as Ad Carabao, has set the poetry of Phra Maha Wutthichai Wachirametee to music for “Khuen Soo Sawan”, which mourns the passing of His Majesty the late King as the nation prepares for its final farewell today while “Phor Phu Pen Nirand” reminds all Thais people that the late King will be in our minds forever provided we don’t forget to show love to each other and follow his King’s gracious guidance.

“Khuen Soo Sawan” is inspired by the Thai people’s respect and love for and loyalty to the late King. Millions of Thais have mourned his passing and travelled to Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall to pay homage to his remains even though this sometimes meant queuing for 20 hours.

For the third song, “Phra Raja Bodhisattva”, Ad Carabao uses Phra Maha Wutthichai Wachirametee’s comparison of the late King to Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva.

“This song is about the mourning for the late King, who performed his duties under sometimes difficult conditions and worked hard for the wellbeing of his people. So, the late King was like the Bodhisattva of Thai people who appreciated his grace,” says Ad.

Today’s cremation of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej will be resolutely sombre but not silent. The masses gathered to pray and bear witness will hear the gentle clatter of pipat orchestras and the stirring percussion and brass of symphonies. Ballerinas and puppets will share stages within sight of the magnificent crematorium.

Music, dance and theatre have been part of royal funerals since the Ayutthaya Period, carefully selected and presented to reflect the greatness of the deceased monarch and to carry him to Heaven.

The tradition has enfolded khon masked drama, puppetry and shadow plays, Chinese opera, Mon and thep thong dancing, even stunt shows and acrobatics.

In 1796, early in the Rattanakosin Period, the cremation of Somdet Phra Pathom Borommahachanok, father of King Rama I, included such public performances, though King Rama VI discontinued the practice for the funeral of his father, King Chulalongkorn.

In organising performances for King Bhumibol’s funeral, the government’s Fine Arts Department has adhered to precedents set by the cremation rites for Their Royal Highnesses Srinagarindra the Princess Mother, in 1996, Princess Galyani Vadhana, King Bhumibol’s sister, in 2008, and Princess Bejaratana, daughter of Rama VI, in 2012.

The performances will begin today at 6pm and continue until 6am tomorrow.

There will be three open-air stages at the northern end of Sanam Luang, the royal ceremonial grounds where the crematorium has been erected.

Sharing the first stage will be performances of nang yai – the “great shadow play” – and khon masked drama, featuring scenes from the Ramakien (the Ramayana) and actors from the annual khon productions revived by Her Majesty the Queen.

A second stage will host hun luang shows – giant puppets – also depicting episodes from the Ramakien, and small hun krabok hand-manipulated puppets portraying passages from the beloved epic poem by Sunthorn Phu, “Phra Aphai Mani”.

The third stage will be devoted to the musical compositions of the late King, as performed by some of Thailand’s finest orchestras and bands, and a ballet inspired by “Manorah”, also written by King Bhumibol.

Anek Artmangkorn, director of the Fine Arts Department’s Office of Performing Arts, says this stage, formally designated Tha Khue Duangjai Thai Thua Lah, will witness “the most beautiful rendition of His Majesty’s compositions in the history of Thailand, with more than 1,000 musicians and singers”.

“It will be presented in the grandest way possible, while at the same time adhering to traditional practice.”

Chaninvadee Chomputip, the “orchestra expert” in the same office, specifies that there will be seven symphony orchestras and a grand total of 1,109 performers, musicians and singers. The production will have seven acts.

The first is “Duj Yard Thip Chalom Lah”, featuring musicians from the Fine Arts Department, Bunditpatanasilpa Institute, Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music and its Youth Orchestra, the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, College of Dramatic Arts, Rajini School and the band Aw Saw Friday.

Together they will perform “Nature Waltz”, “No Moon”, “Alexandra” – all composed by the late King – and two songs he inspired, “Phra Raja Phu Song Tham” and “Nai Luang Khong Paendin”.

Also in the repertoire is the six-part “Kinari Suite” from the ballet “Manorah”, a lovely tale set in the mythical Himmaphan Forest about the love that blooms between an angel and a hunter.

Aw Saw Friday features Lt General Taveesakdi Taveesri on trumpet, Non Buranasomphop on tenor saxophone, Taworn Yaowakun on drums, Suvit Ansvananda on double bass, Sandat Tandhanan on trombone, Aniruth Tinakorn Na Ayudhya on guitar and Pathorn Srikaranonda on alto sax.

Chaninvadee points out that Non is president of the Foundation of His Majesty the King Rama IX Music Library Hall and was privileged to be among recipients of sage advice from the late King regarding both music and life.

In the second act, “Tai Fah Rom Yen Proh Phra Baramee”, the Royal Thai Army Orchestra will perform “Maharat Overture”, “The Colours March”, “Royal Guards March”, “We: Infantry Regiment 21”, “Rao Soo”, “Kerd Pen Thai Tai Phuea Thai”, “Love Over Again”, “Magic Beams” and “Love in Spring”.

In the third act, “Thuay Ras Nom Sadudee”, the Royal Thai Navy Orchestra will play “The Royal Marines March”, “When”, “The Impossible Dream”, “Dream Island”, “Love at Sundown”, “I Never Dream”, “Lullaby” and two of its members’ own recent compositions, “Saeng Thien, Saeng Thip” and “Khon Bon Fah”.

Lt Commander Supakorn Tangnoi, conductor of the Navy orchestra, says “Saeng Thien, Saeng Thip” compares the late King to a light forever shining in Thai people’s hearts, and “Khon Bon Fah” is about how His Majesty will forever remain in their minds.

The Royal Thai Air Force Orchestra takes the stage for the fourth act, “Thawai Phakdi Ong Rachan”, and will present “I Think of You”, “Falling Rain”, “Lovelight in My Heart”, “Sweet Words”, “Blue Day”, “Dream of Love, Dream of You” and “Maharat Phra Chom Siam”.

For the fifth act, “Sathit Niran Nai Jai Ras”, the Royal Thai Police Orchestra will perform “King of Kings”, “Candlelight Blue”, “Twilight”, “Never Mind the Hungry Men’s Blues”, “Still on My Mind”, “HM Blues”, “Smiles” and “Phu Pid Thong Lang Phra”.

The sixth act, “Puang Kha Bat Bangkhom Thawai”, will see the Public Relations Department Orchestra perform “Phra Maha Mongkol”, “New Year Greeting”, “Near Dawn”, “Echo”, “Old-fashioned Melody”, “Somewhere Somehow”, “Rom Chat” and “Duay Phra Preechachan”.

Act 7, “Soo Sawan Kalai Nai Thip Vimarn”, has the Chulalongkorn University Band playing “Maha Chulalongkorn”, “Thammasat”, “Kasetsart”, “Oh I Say”, “Can’t You Ever See”, “Lay Kram Goes Dixie”, “Blues for Uthit”, “Friday Night Rag”, “Love” and “Still on My Mind”.

The finale will be “Pleng Rak” and “Menu Khai”, both composed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

The new composition is a requiem divided into four settings or acts and runs for 11 minutes 47 seconds. The four are “Krab Phrabat”, “Phra Bodhisattva Song Juti”, “Prach Haeng Din Lae Nam” and “Krab Bangkhom La.”

“My requiem is based on the late King’s story, guidance and projects so that people from around the world can know and understand who the late King was and what he did for his country and people. Everyone can know the late King from one song,” says Pongprom.

Several musicians and vocalists, who came together with one heart, one mind, one love and one determination to record the work. They include Billy Organ, Peter Corp Dyrendal, Chawin “Jugg” Chitsomboon, Sakda Pathasima of Inca, Nopanan “Kor” Prayoonsuk of The Olarn Project, Isariya Kooprasert, Supatra Korad, Tippawan Pinpiban, Kittinant “Fung” Chinsamran, and Apinya “Nudee” Sangkhasanya.

Listen and download this requiem at http://requiemkingrama9.com/

Perry was in the midwestern city for a concert, when she and her entourage surprised newlyweds Hayley Rosenblum and Blonie Dudney at the Four Seasons Hotel on Saturday night.

“She actually asked the bride and groom if she could come in and crash their wedding, and they both said yes,” wedding guest Amy Prada told AFP.

“Everyone was shocked and happily surprised,” Prada said, adding that Perry visited for about 15 minutes, dancing with the couple, and taking selfies with guests.

The surprise came late into the night. Wedding photographer Ray Prop told St Louis Magazine that he was getting ready to leave.

“All of a sudden, the crazy human-train stopped right at the bride and groom, and a woman with short blonde hair in a baseball cap said: ‘Do you mind if we crash your wedding?’,” Prop said.

Perry was in town for her “Witness” tour, and mentioned the wedding visit during her Sunday performance, according to posts on social media.

“Alemfado” (“Beyond Fado”) is the result of a commission by Vasco and the Lisbon Fado Museum. Eight renowned classical and jazz composers were charged with the task of arranging 12 of the best-known Fados (sung by Amalia Rodrigues and Mariza) and the recital has since been performed in Portugal, Brazil, Germany, France, Luxembourg, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco and Belgium. This contemporary take on fado is expanded through the art of video.

The recital is accompanied by the projection of a film about Lisbon, which unveils the beauty of its nostalgic countenance and rediscovers the most typical and historical bairros of the city, whose history is intertwined with the history of fado itself.

The promotional video can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/album/4113381/video/180208996 and the profile of pianist at http://JoaoVasco.com.

Admission is free but reservations are required. Email at ambassador@embassyofportugal.or.th.

Dean began his musical journey as a hip-hop artist at age 16, beginning his career as part of a crew with Korean rapper Keith Ape, but by the age of 18, Dean discovered his talent for singing and his gift of creating infectious melodies. The writer of chart toppers for K-pop boy bands EXO, Block B and VIXX, Dean has already proven himself as a successful song maker.

He is one of the greatest cross-over acts to break onto the music scene both in Korea and the US. He has worked with several in-demand artists and producers such as Camack, DJ esta of Soulection, Anderson Paak, Eric Bellinger, Crush, ZICO and more.

At the end of 2016, he was chose by Spotify as one of the “25 under 25” – a list of the 25 most influential artists under the age of 25.

In the beginning of 2017, the 25-year-old Korean released “Limbo” which reached #1 in BP chart in Korea. His latest US single “Love” was on the beats 1 list on Apple Music as the only Asian artist ever.

He is currently showcasing his talent at many of the industry’s major upcoming events and festivals.

This time, Dean has teamed with his friends, Miso, a member of Club Eskimo, and Saay, Universal Music Korea’s newest and most promising R&B artist.

Miso has pursued her passion of making music, a soulful combination of electronic, hip hop, and R&B, for three years. Joining Club Eskimo marked her turning point. Miso’s first official single, “Take Me,” produced and recorded in her bedroom, reached the third spot on the US Spotify Viral 50 in 2017, followed by a blow-out performance at New York Fashion Week.

Saay was born into a family of musicians; she grew up living and breathing true Korean soul by learning traditional dance and musical instruments from her mother, and rock music from her brother. Saay focused on her career as a songwriter and producer, writing four songs for Henry of Super Junior before signing to Universal Music Korea as a solo artist. Her debut single, “Circle” featuring Tish Hyman, is introduced by Apple music as “Best of Week” along with Skrillex and Amine.

Tickets are Bt2,500 and Bt5,000 available at Thai Ticket Major counters and online. Call (02) 262 3456.

Japanese heavy metal band Loudness heads to Thailand next month where they will perform at Bangkok’s Rock Pub on November 10. The band, featuring Akira Takasaki on guitar, Masayoshi Yamashita on bass, Minoru Niihara on vocals, and Masayuki Suzuki on drums, is currently in the US as part of their “Lightning Strikes” 30th anniversary tour. Tickets are Bt1,500 for early birds and Bt1,600 at the door. Visit The Rock Pub’s Facebook.

Classical notes

One of the most successful pianists in his native Italy, Fiorenzo Pascalucci will be performing at the music hall of Chulalongkorn University on October 26 at 7pm. His intensely personal and emotional interpretations showcase the works of composers such as George Gershwin and Claude Debussy. Admission is free. Find out more at Facebook.com/italianfestivalthailand.

Bolton in Bangkok

Michael Bolton – a multiple Grammy Awardwinning singer and songwriter who has sold more than 65 million albums and singles worldwide – takes to the stage of Muangthai GMM Live House on November 11, as part of his “Asian Dream Tour 2017”. Fans will get to hear such hits as “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You”, “We’re Not Making Love Anymore”, “Love Is A Wonderful Thing”, “Time, Love and Tenderness” and “Missing You Now.” Tickets are from Bt2,500 at Thai Ticket Major counters and online at http://www.ThaiTicketMajor.com.

Slot Machine rule the roost

Thai rock band Slot Machine  has been nominated for Best Southeast Asia Act at MTV Europe Music Awards London 2017 and will be going up against Malaysia’s Faizal Tahir, Vietnam’s Dam Vinh Hung, Indonesia’s Isyana Sarasvati, Philippines’ James Reid, and Singapore’s The Sam Willows. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on November 13 at 2am on the MTV channel with a same day repeat at 6pm . Vote for the Thai rockers band http://www.Mtvema.com/enasia/artists/ogh0lr/slotmachine or http://www.Mtvema.com/enasia/vote#bestsoutheastasiaact from now until November 12.

Punk from the Big Apple

New Yorkbased hardcore punk band Madball, featuring Freddy Cricien, Jorge “Hoya Roc” Guerra, Brian “Mitts” Daniels and Mike Justian, are all set to thrill Thai fans at Hollywood Ratchada on Ratchadaphisek Soi 4 on December 8. The concert kicks off at 7pm with sets by opening acts Ten Baht Per Hour and Indonesia’s Taring. Tickets are Bt1,200 presale and Bt1,500 at the door. Find out more information, by calling (081) 692 3961.

Lamar, who will headline the show at the du Arena on November 24, will be preceded on stage by internationally renowned DJ Calvin Harris on November 23 and followed UK-based rockers Mumford & Sonsplaying on November 25, with global icon P!NK closing out the weekend on November 26.

A California native, Lamar has received a number of accolades over the course of his career, including seven Grammy Awards. He embarked on his musical journey as a teenager under the stage name K-Dot, and quickly gained recognition in 2011 following the release of Section 80.

Starting at AED 995 (Bt8,940),an extra 1,000 three-day tickets for Abu Dhabi Hill will be available for purchase and provide ticket holders access to Thursday Pit Lane Walk, all four days of racing as well as all four days of the Yasalam After-Race Concerts.

“We now have yet another full star-studded weekend to ensure the thousands of visitors that come to enjoy the region’s biggest and best weekend of sport and entertainment have an outstanding experience,” said Al Tareq Al Ameri, chief executive officer of Yas Marina Circuit.

“In addition to the excitement on the track, our ninth Abu Dhabi Grand Prix offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a dedicated F1 fan, a music lover or looking for an incredible family weekend, you will not be disappointed.”

Tickets are available online at http://www.YasMarinaCircuit.com, as well as at Etihad Shops and Virgin Megastores.