Chulalongkorn University Symphony Orchestra Under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra
Chulalongkorn University Symphony Orchestra was founded during the administration of Professor Emeritus Dr. Kasem Suwanakul with a budget allocated from 1988 university revenue. The debut concert was given as part of the university’s 73rd anniversary. In 1990, under the administration of Professor Emeritus Dr. Charas Suwanwela, the late Princess Galyani Vadhana presided over the orchestra concert and accepted the orchestra under her royal patronage.
The operational budget for the orchestra in the early years was supported by Bangkok Bank until 1997, when Professor Emeritus Dr. Tianchai Kirananda added the orchestra as one of the activities funded by Funds for Art and Cultural Preservation of the university. Subsequently, in 1998 Chulalongkorn University Symphony Orchestra was operated by Office of Art and Cultural Management in accordance to the university’s mission to increase the visibility of Western music activities of the university in the international level. The symphony orchestra committee was appointed to drive the orchestra to the university’s goal. Associate Professor Colonel Choochart Pitaksakorn, National Artist in Western Music Performance and University Artist was invited to chair the committee as Music Director. Other committee members are faculty members from Faculty of Education (Department of Music Education) and Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts.
Vision
To develop, support and produce musicians as a musical learning source and music hub for the society.
Mission
Chulalongkorn University Symphony Orchestra gives two major concerts annually to equip music students of the university with integrated experiences of music history, theory, individua; and ensemble skills, and concert experience through rehearsals and performances under music faculty members and guest conductors. The past conductors are Assistant Professor Colocnel Choochart Pitaksakorn, Professor Dr. Weerachat Premananda, Associate Professor Tongsuang Israngkul Na Ayudhaya, Jame Yanatos, Isao Matsushita, and Koji Kawamoto. Conductors in Residence are Assistant Professor Dr. Nora-ath Chamklum and Dr. Pawasut Piriyapongrat. The repertoire performed, mainly masterpieces of world-class composers, is selected with the student musicians’ best learning experience in mind.
In addition to the orchestral performance, Chulalongkorn University Symphony Orchestra also performs in smaller ensembles to develop the students’ smaller ensemble skills. These ensembles are CU String Orchestra, Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Concert Choir, Saxophone Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble. The most unconventional and unique ensemble is CU Viola Ensemble ‘The Viola Lovers’, founded by Assistant Professor Colonel Choochart Pitaksakorn, which is the only viola ensemble in Asia.
Chulalongkorn University Symphony Orchestra also organizes workshops, lectures, master classes regularly. These activities include yearly events—Chulalongkorn University Choral Festival, Thailand Youth Choral Camp. It also supports both inbound and outbound musical and cultural exchanges through Music Connections Program as well.
Contact
Chulalongkorn University Symphony Orchestra
6th floor, Chamchuri 9 Building,
Phayathai Road, Wangmai,
Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Thailand
