By Roy Lie Atjam
Songkran: to move ormovement.
The Royal Thai Embassy celebrated Songkran, Thai New Year with a Classical Concert featuring Trio d’amour at the Royal Thai Embassy The Hague on April 19, 2023.
Songkran is a fun-filled spring cultural event that welcomes Thailand’s New Year. It is a time of joy and unity, an excellent opportunity for people to come together and enjoy the festivities.
Trio d’amour is an ensemble of talented young Thai Classical Music Artists consisting of Mr Nonthapat Chaiviratnukul, saxophone, Mr Teesin Puriwatthapong, violin, and Mr Chayuth Kaivihai, cello. Their repertoire includes a selection from the J.S. Bach Goldberg Variations, F. Schubert, and A. Roussel, as well as a selection of Thai music pieces that took the audience on a nostalgic journey: Kwam Rak (Love) 2. Tha Ther Rak Krai Kon Nueng (If you love someone) 3. Ramwong Wan Songkran (Songkran Dance) 4. Ik Sak Ki Krang (How many times) 5. Chivit Chan Kaad Ther Mai Dai (I cannot live my life without you).
Ambassador Chatri Archjananun and his spouse Nataya Archjananun welcomed the guests. Each guest received an original Thai scarf. In brief, Ambassador Chatri Archjananun welcome his guests with the following words, “a very warm welcome to the Royal Thai Embassy. Let me start by extending my greetings in Thai, สวัสดีครับ. We are delighted to welcome you, especially Mr Adrie Braat, a famous musician from the Dutch Swing College Band. This afternoon a classical music concert will be performed by the Trio D’Amour – a group of young and talented Thai musicians.
The concert is not just about showcasing musical abilities but also about celebrating the Thai New Year or Songkran. The Songkran festival is also celebrated in many countries in the region, including Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, some parts of China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh (Pohela Boishakh), as well as India.
In keeping with Thai tradition, on behalf of the Royal Thai Embassy and as the coordinator of the Asia-Oceania Ambassadors group, we wish you all the best -happiness, health, and wealth throughout the year.”
The Ambassadors from Ireland, Bangladesh, India, Vietnam and diplomats from other countries were in attendance. The performance went down well with the audience.
A reception buffet concluded the 2023 Songkran festivities.
