The Thai King: Composer / K. Kenney’s art program

A concert of compositions by HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand is currently on tour to celebrate the 60th year of his ascension to the throne. Last week, his works were played at the CCP main theater by the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra under Rear Admiral M.L. Usui Pramoj, RTN, Privy Counselor and National Artist.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo took time out from her hectic schedule to attend the concert, presumably because the Thai King and Queen were guests of then President Diosdado Macapagal in Malacañang in 1963. Former President FVR and his wife Ming, NCCA Executive Director Cecile G. Alvarez and members of the diplomatic corps were likewise present at the concert.

A speech was delivered by Thai Ambassador Asha Dvitiyananda; CCP President Nestor Jardin gave a welcome address.

Before the concert, the audience curiously wondered what kind of music it would be hearing. The Thai King proved to be a highly talented composer in the Western idiom, having been mostly educated in the West, and in fact, having studied music under a Swiss mentor. The pieces were of varying lengths, some very brief, but all were infused with gentle, delicate, exquisitely flowing melodies. Indeed, the King consistently exhibited a strong lyrical vein in his works, many of them romantic in nature.

Considerably reduced in size, the orchestra was more like a chamber ensemble, with a few wind and brass instruments included. It was tightly-knit and cohesive, and the concert master performed his solo violin passages admirably.

The audience derived an ineffably pleasant feeling, a mixture of delight, surprise and well-being that lasted throughout the concert. It listened to the brisk, spirited "Royal Marines March", a lullaby, and such gently throbbing, romantic pieces as Twilight, Love in Spring, Echo, No Moon.

The general public has always known the Thai King’s predilection for jazz, in fact he had "jammed with our late DFA Secretary Raul Manglapus in Bangkok. Listeners were not disappointed; they heard the jazz piece Old Fashioned Melody and Magic Beams which seemed fit for ballroom dancing. Can’t You Ever See, the concluding composition, veered to jazz in style, with the oboe, clarinet, flute, bassoon giving strong, sharp accents to the flowing music.

Certain works had wind players as soloists; the flute in Near Dawn; the oboe in Lullaby; the oboe and the violin in Twilight; the oboe in Still on My Mind; the clarinet in Dream Island; the French horn in Magic Beams. The excellent soloists conveyed remarkable polish, fluency and aplomb, accenting the smooth, fluid strings.

The Thai King is versatile, with the program showing pictures of him playing the piano, the clarinet, the oboe, the trumpet, the saxophone and yes, even the guitar! No wonder his orchestration exhibits obvious conversance with the instruments in diverse musical styles: classic, baroque, light, popular and jazz. One piece, A Love Story, was arranged by the King for the Manohra Ballet. Further, his works are internationally recognized. Michael Todd productions performed Blue Day in New York along with Falling Rain, the latter having been played during the King’s visit to N.Y. in 1960 when the piece became part of the aforementioned ballet.

The King employs music as a major force in diplomacy. He composed Alexandra when Princess Alexandra of Kent visited Thailand in 1959. On the King’s visit to Manila with Queen Sirikit in 1963, he told President Macapagal, "Music builds unity and friendship." His Majesty, in other words, is a peace-loving man because he loves music.

* * *

US Ambassador Kristie Kenney hosted a cocktail reception to honor Mrs. Anne Johnson, director of the Art in Embassies Program, and to have guests view the works of Ms. Kathleen Walsh.

I quote from the official guide describing the ART in Embassies Program: "Founded in 1964, it is a unique blend of art and diplomacy. Through exhibitions with diverse themes and content, ART presents more than 3,500 original works of art by US citizens in a variety of media and styles. They are obtained through loan from sources that include museums, galleries, corporations, artists and private collectors, and displayed in the public rooms of some 180 US embassy residences and diplomatic missions worldwide.

"The ART exhibitions are a source of great pride to US ambassadors, assisting them to reach the host country’s education, cultural, business and diplomatic communities. Thousands who visit US Embassy residences each year learn about our nation – its history, customs, values, and aspirations – by experiencing American art firsthand."

Herewith is Ambassador Kenney’s own message: "Just as I admire the variety of beautiful landscapes in the Philippines, I am reminded of the diversity of the American landscape. One of the many common bonds of our two countries is an ability to identify with the light, color and warmth of the countryside. Artist Kathleen Walsh’s paintings show the rolling farmlands, rugged coastline, and simple gardens of the US. I can’t think of a more ideal home for these paintings than the Philippines, where the artist’s luminous watercolors can be fully appreciated. I am honored to share these impressions of America with you."

Indeed, when I slipped into the Kenney dining room to view the paintings (ahead of the others), I thought Ms. Walsh’s mastery of the daunting and challenging watercolor medium most evident. Among appreciative guests were Ambassador Jose Romero, National Artist Arturo and Tessie Luz, internationally acclaimed concert pianist and UST Conservatory Dean Raul Sunico, Babe Romualdez, Precious Soliven, Chit Macapagal, Sara Soliven de Guzman, Brian and Leslie Murray.

Helping to welcome the guests were Deputy Head of Mission Paul Jones, Political Counsellor Douglas Scott Bellard, Cultural Attaché Bruce Armstrong and his wife Virginia, Political Section Second Secretary Barry Fullerton, Stacey Jones, and Transportation Officer Christopher M. Kane, himself an artist!