Java, the name of Indonesia known to the Thai people in the past, has many things in common or related culturally to Thailand—religious places, art, music, culture, and literature. Though not bordering countries, there is a long history of the ties between Indonesia and Thailand that inspired Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to compose a poem to be used as lyrics for traditional Thai musical work called An Excursion in Java premiered as part of Chulalongkorn University Founding Day celebration on March 26, 2022 by Sai Yai Chamchuri, a Thai traditional ensemble of alumni, faculty members and staff, and the Princess herself.
The lyrics, costume and choreograph of Thai traditional music and contemporary Thai dance, An Excursion in Java, concern Java or Indonesia from its historic site, Borobudur, major geographical sites, for instance, an active volcano called Mount Merapi, Bengawan Solo River, prehistoric Javanese people, and literature and ancient legends. The music was composed by Dr. Sirichaicharn Fakchumroon, National Artist and Artist of Chulalongkorn University, and vocal line by Dr. Suchada Sowat.
One of the special features of this performance was an innovative ensemble that combined Indonesian gamelan orchestra, Thai adaptation of Indonesian angklung ensemble, and a big band (CU Band under Chulalongkorn University Student Clubs) all intertwined to play Javanese idioms. Parts of the performance included the popular tune, Bengawan Solo and a contemporary interpretation of Javanese dance by Indonesian and Thai master’s students from Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University. The choreograph was designed by Professor Dr. Surapone Virulrak, a rare recipient of Dushdi Mala Medal, the highest-ranking civil decoration from the King for his service in the Thai dance art. Videography and animation were shown as the lyrics were sung.
As per the Covid-19 Risk Mitigation Regulations of Chulalongkorn University, physical distancing was strictly observed, and the maximum number of the audience was limited to 600 of the 1,300-seat hall. The performance was broadcasted live on social media outlets, with over 13,500 views as of August 2022.
The performance of An Excursion in Java was a product of an integration of bodies of knowledge in traditional music and dance. It also reflected collective efforts to preserve Thai and Javanese traditional music, developing Thai traditional and Western music ensemble (called Thai contemporary music in the Thai traditional music context), and contemporary interpretation of traditional dance. The performance was also a mean to strengthen the relationship and networking with Indonesia. The Indonesian Ambassador to Thailand visited the campus for rehearsals and the event, and had an audience with Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Seven universities in Indonesia also sent their best wishes as video clips to congratulate and commemorate the founding of Chulalongkorn University.
News:
สมเด็จพระกนิษฐาธิราชเจ้า กรมสมเด็จพระเทพรัตนราชสุดาฯ สยามบรมราชกุมารี เสด็จฯ ทรงร่วมงานครบรอบ 105 ปีแห่งการสถาปนาจุฬาฯ – จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย (chula.ac.th)ข่าวสมเด็จพระกนิษฐาธิราชเจ้า กรมสมเด็จพระเทพรัตนราชสุดาฯ สยามบรมราชกุมารี ทรงปฏิบัติพระราชกรณียกิจ ดังนี้ (ch7.com)
