CHAIRMAN: DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DR. KHALID MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

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Thai trio mesmerises Katara audience

Published: 15 Sep 2018 - 02:57 am | Last Updated: 04 Nov 2021 - 11:12 pm
VieTrio performs at the Thai Classical Crossover Music Show at the Katara Drama Theatre on Thursday. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula

VieTrio performs at the Thai Classical Crossover Music Show at the Katara Drama Theatre on Thursday. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula

By Raynald C Rivera I The Peninsula

DOHA: First of its kind Thai classical-pop crossover band VieTrio mesmerised hundreds in the audience at Katara Drama Theatre on Thursday night performing an eclectic mix of Western and Thai contemporary and classical music.

The trio composed of siblings Dr. Akkrawat “Paye” Srinarong (violinist, composer), Kanyapas “Parn” Srinarong (cellist, singer) and Ariya “Pui” Srinarong (violinist) showcased their versatility in playing musical pieces from various genres including classic, pop, rock, dance, jazz, house, rap, and a fusion of Thai traditional music.

From Johann Sebastian Bach’s Minuet in G major to Over the Rainbow from the film The Wizard of Oz and La Vie En Rose by Edith Piaf to original compositions Paradise and Miracle, the trio displayed the breadth of their repertoire proving why they are recognized internationally playing more than a thousand concerts in over a decade-long career.

Apart from playing their own songs, the artistes also impressed the audience with Thai music as they performed several original compositions written by Thailand’s late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Dubbed ‘Thai Classical Crossover Music Show,’ the concert was the first-of-its-kind show the Thai Embassy had staged in Doha, said new Thai Ambassador Nathapol Khantahiran.

“For the past few years, the Royal Thai Embassy has organised many cultural events to promote various aspects of Thainess in Qatar. These include traditional cultural performances, Thai culinary art, and food festivals. However, this is the first time that we exclusively introduce contemporary Thai music culture to the audience in Qatar,” he said.

The ambassador highlighted how VieTrio changed the music scene in Thailand with their unique take in music. “I’m sure that Qatari public and a lot of you here are already familiar with the traditional classical music. But not many Thai people are exposed to it. On that note, the siblings of three whose lives have immersed in classical music since young age wish to expose Thai people especially younger generation to the classical music. They make classical music more accessible and enjoyable by mixing all genres of songs with classical music instruments and pattern, changing the perception of Thai people that classical music is for everyone and every generation,” the ambassador told the audience.

Katara General Manager Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, ambassadors, representatives of diplomatic missions and other dignitaries were among those in the audience from various nationalities.

Dr. Al Sulaiti said that the musical show contributes in introducing the rich Thai culture and heritage in Qatar and it is the aim of Katara to link cultures together through culture and the arts in cooperation with various embassies and entities. VieTrio has performed over a thousand concerts in six continents, including in well known concert venues such as Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

The band also featured in a number of shows in the Middle East. This was the trio’s second time to perform in Qatar. They were invited to perform during the trophy ceremony of ATP ExxonMobil Qatar Open in 2011. The band has also been featured in a number of major media outlets in Thailand and other countries including Forbes Magazine Thailand, Al Jazeera, and Harper’s Bazaar, among others.