Four years after its inception, the Feroci Philharmonic Winds of Silpakorn University's Faculty of Music is no longer a stranger to Thai audiences. After performing countless concerts, last week at the Main Hall, Thailand Culture Centre, the Feroci Philharmonic hosted a concert to honour His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun and to express gratitude to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Prof Damrih Banawitayakit, dean of Faculty of Music and founder of Feroci Philharmonic Winds, mentioned that in order to attract the public, the programme aimed for a wide variety of styles. The wind ensemble played not only a classical repertoire, but also contemporary music and symphonic transcriptions of well-known tunes. The goal was completed as the evening was well-attended. Not only did Silpakorn University's Wind Orchestra join the Feroci Philharmonic Winds's troop, the talented Yala City Municipality Youth Orchestra was also given a warm welcome and opportunities to learn and perform under professional artists.
Maestro Johan de Meij, who conducted the Feroci's inaugural performance four years ago, lead the band and also arranged new music. Two of his compositions are imaginative in their construction and they received warm admiration from the audience. The programme was launched by his wonderful The Echo Of San Marco, an award-winning piece inspired by the Renaissance's Venetian polychoral style of Giovanni Gabrieli, which involved singing in alternation with individual choirs.
Maestro Meij, baton in left hand, brought out the best of the musicians both on stage and off stage -- on the balcony. The echo between winds and choir was effectively and beautifully portrayed. The first half was concluded by a brilliant performance of Yos Vaneesorn from Silpakorn University in Oscar Narvarro's Clarinet Concerto No.2 which exhibited every possibility of sounds from the instrument. From the beautiful soft round sound, to the fast challenging and virtuosic passages, Yos delivered with sensitivity, character, great command and confidence. The piece was flamboyant, fun and easy to access. Incorporating the clapping Spanish flamenco distinctive rhythm from musicians, the piece was even more lively and enjoyable.
Another highlight was Maestro Meij's Cloud Factory, which depicts the sounds from the steel factory along the seashore in the Netherlands. The audience enjoyed the unique character of sounds painting the scene of the factory. While the percussion section did a wonderful job by creating a complex rhythm suggesting the busy machines working long hours in the factory, joining in were wind symphony members crushing the soda pop can and tin foil imitating the metal sounds. The piece was very well-received.
Included in the programme were King Bhumibol's compositions. Shining out among others, Manusanun Aksonteang appeared with poise and delivered with her refined voice quality and interpretation. Maestro Meij's arrangements in this performance, including Carl Nielsen's Aladdin Suite and Moisés Moleiro's Joropo, intensified the variety of sounds and styles of the programme. Through its successful performances, the Feroci Philharmonic Winds has contributed to the learning, performing, listening and enjoyment of wind instruments. Credit should go to the Faculty of Music, Silpakorm University, the generosity of sponsors and, of course, the supporting audience.
