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Bundit Ungrangsee captivates Alangkarn audience
with his magical, musical spell
Alangkarn Theatre,
Pattaya’s theatre of dreams, proved to be the perfect venue for
‘Classics’ to meet ‘Jazz’.
Will Burroughs
In star world, class is permanent. Whilst over in Europe, the blond crop
of the resurrected David Beckham wowed the Wembley crowd, Thailand’s
very own golden-man, Bundit Ungrangsee, held his own adoring public
under his magical, musical spell at Pattaya’s theatre of dreams, the
Alangkarn Theatre. Casting crisp shafts of golden wonder from his wand,
Bundit, like Beckham, was back. Both share an epic poet’s feel for high
explosive drama; each possess and demonstrate startling humility through
dazzling smiles.
If there’s a difference, I suppose it’s that Bundit hadn’t been in the
wilderness; he just hadn’t been back to Pattaya. Following Bundit’s
celebrated return to Thailand at honeyed Horseshoe Point last year,
there was a veritable buzz around the Alangkarn; tickets were tough to
come by as aficionados of life’s more cultured offerings swarmed from
all over Thailand to join Pattaya’s glitterati at another very special
event.
Once more, Bundit was joined by the fragrant Mary, his partner in song
and in life. Her voice I remembered well, floating like jasmine into the
senses. “Classics meet Jazz” was a typically appropriate title for the
evening’s delights. The repertoire of Bernstein, Shostakovich and
Gershwin, complemented perfectly by His Glorious Majesty the King’s
composition “Oh I say”, promised much; there was Rodrigo on the agenda
too, as well as the freshness of “Arirang”, a traditional Korean folk
song and “This place,” an equally enchanting Thai favourite.
The eclectic selection reflected both Bundit’s taste and his obvious
desire to please the assembled. Between pieces, he painstakingly and
entertainingly took the time to tell the audience about what they were
about to hear, a measure that enabled the energetic, resourceful and
highly polished Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra to move on and off stage
almost unnoticed as the works demanded. Logistics play a big part in the
success of an evening such as this, but the Alangkarn are old hands too
and there was never a doubt. An unmistakable air of quality was
pervasive, matched only, perhaps, by the level of expectation.
Bernstein’s “Overture to Candide” was a tremendous way to fashion an
opening to a concert; brave too - not everybody finds Bernstein
accessible - but Bundit is nothing if not courageous, bringing as he
does, challenging pieces to Pattaya.
At steamy Horseshoe point, his electric relationship with his orchestra
had sent his baton spiralling skywards. This time, in a slightly less
rarefied atmosphere, his dynamism was just as explosive. Cajoling,
nurturing, sculpting the music through to climax with every nuance
acknowledged as he danced and spun, jousting with his tickling stick -
you could see this was a master of his trade at work. Ah, but this was
the man who had conquered the Carnegie Hall in New York City, back in
2002. Thus, the level of his sustained brilliance was not so much a
surprise to witness, as a pleasure to behold. Like all great artists, he
made it look easy.
Shostakovich’s “Tea for Two” is a bouncy little number. It was fun to
hear and it looked like it was fun to play. It’s one of those tunes that
you know you know, but you might not be absolutely certain where it came
from, or indeed, where it was going to. A piece of verve and panache and
an entrée, if you will, into the markedly more serious first movement of
the Concierto de Aranjuez, for Guitar. Bundit was all subtlety now, as
if a renaissance brush was in his hand.
There was still a place for drama naturally, but centre stage had been
taken by the first of two prodigies whom Bundit has taken under his arm,
eager no doubt, to ensure the continuity and extend the domain of
Thailand’s modern classical influence. Ekachai “Bird” Jearakul commands
attention with his poise and lifts the soul with the romantic delicacy
of his touch. He also appears to be in a world of utter contentment, a
picture of meditative calm at one with the orchestra and audience.
The second precocious talent, Tarin Supprakorn, took the stage for a
veritably electric demonstration of controlled expression and quite
frankly, pure technique. Like a hummingbird’s wings were his fingers as
he breathed new life into the great Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”, a
perfect bridge between classical and jazz, if ever there was one. Whilst
Gershwin will always carry the flavour of New York City, with an
unmistakeable hint of Jewish-ness about it, hearing it played here by a
Thai prodigy, accompanied by the Seoul philharmonic and attended by a
cosmopolitan audience was a grand comment indeed on our global village
and the ambition of Pattaya City. It was truly a celebration of
diversity.
Such sentiments seemed united by His Glorious Majesty the King’s “Oh, I
say”, a piece which calms the heart. Fortunate indeed are the Thai
people, to have at their helm someone of such varied and unique talents.
Equally fortunate are we, as guests in this wonderful country, to be
able to share in some of its beauty.
Another paragon of beauty, Mary Ungrangsee, took us to Gershwin again.
Despite the seduction of her audience, there could be no doubt about for
whom “The Man I Love” was performed. Similarly, the slightly ironic,
“Nice Work If You Can Get It” was all pandiatonic swagger and just about
brought the enraptured to their feet. And so to two quite proper but
nonetheless brave choices, the Korean “Arirang” and Thailand’s own “This
Place”. Real feeling was tangible as Mary Ungrangsee’s extraordinary
versatility and technique were once more revealed. It’s one thing being
fluent in spoken Thai, quite another to be the same in music and verse.
More than one of my Thai companions was deeply moved during “This
Place”, which was the highlight of their evening.
How fitting then, that Mary should launch into “Fly Me to the Moon” and
all its sweet reverie. I have to admit that I’d only hitherto known
Sinatra’s, but this? Well, this lived well enough in its own right. Most
of all, it was fun. I felt my foot tapping and my hands clapping and
that was Mary done, rapturous applause ringing in her ears. To close,
how typical of Bundit to challenge us again, with Gerswhin’s (I hope
he’s on royalties) “An American in Paris” which moves through
abstraction to Blues to a fulminating conclusion.
We knew what we wanted and we got it, greedy an audience as we were. But
then another surprise; no rollicking overture from William Tell this
time, as an encore. Instead, a languid, thoughtful Korean piece, which
really did bring the audience to their feet. The inevitable and
well-earned floral and vocal tributes were but a prelude to happy
reflection, as another wonderful evening blurred its way into contented
memory. I’ll say one thing for Bundit; like Beckham, he’s full of the
kind of quality that epitomises top-class performers. Let’s hope he
doesn’t move to LA. Bundit’s galaxy, surely, is right here. Tremendous.
Music lovers can see highlights of this unique evening and an
exclusive interview with the renowned conductor Bundit Ungrangsee on
PMTV on Saturday the 16th of June.
Bundit Ungrangsee held his
adoring public under his magical, musical spell, casting crisp shafts of
golden wonder from his wand.
Tarin Supprakorn took the
stage for a demonstration of controlled expression and pure technique.
Ekachai “Bird” Jearakul
commands attention with his poise and lifts the soul with the romantic
delicacy of his touch.
Cajoling, nurturing,
sculpting the music through to climax with every nuance acknowledged as
Bundit danced and spun, a master of his trade at work with the highly
polished Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, a perfect chemistry.
Real feeling was tangible
as Mary Ungrangsee’s extraordinary versatility and technique were once
more revealed during her rendition of ‘This Place’, which was the
highlight of the evening for many of the guests.
Once more, Bundit was
joined by the fragrant Mary, his partner in song and in life. Her voice
floating like jasmine into the senses. “Classics meet Jazz” was a
typically appropriate title for the evening’s delights.
Bundit and Mary
Ungrangsee, world-class personalities enthralled each and every soul in
the hall.
Pattaya Mail MD Peter
Malhotra congratulates Ekachai for his fantastic performance.
Suttikorn Jearpaitoon,
MD of Thai Alangkarn expressed his gratitude to the musicians and the
audience whilst welcoming everyone to his magical theatre.
At the end of the concert
Paul Strachan PMTV Production Manager conducted an exclusive interview
with Bundit.
Renowned conductor Bundit
Ungrangsee, Maestro Myung Whun-Chung and the Seoul Philharmonic
Orchestra acknowledged a standing ovation from the audience at the end
of the concert.
Pattaya Mail Media Group
and Indies Organizer booths are on display at the entrance to the
theatre.
Handlebars, swimming pools and families
Miss Terry Diner
Sundays are sacrosanct in our family. Sundays are “family” days for us
all to get together as a family unit, to do things together, go places
together and have fun together. Just like Sundays are in many local
families.
 Happy
Birthday Jessica!
Last Sunday we came across a venue that allowed us all to do all of the
above. Called “The Handlebar”, tucked away in Thepprasit Soi 10, the
frontage would make you believe it to be just another bar. However, walk
through the bar and in the garden is a wonderful children’s play pool.
About half a meter deep, and on the Sunday we went, it was so full of
children, they couldn’t fall down, even if they wanted to!
Of course there was a reason for the large numbers, it was the 4th
birthday for Jessica Graham, Steve (ESC) and Jeab’s daughter, with the
very composed young lady taking it all in her stride, as well as blowing
out all the candles in one concentrated four year old breath!
The bar caters for families with food as well as swimming pool and full
bar, and a detailed review of this different venue will be done by the
Dining Out Team shortly. And you do not need to ride a motorcycle to
drink there!
Papa Steve and mama Jeab
Graham with the birthday girl Jessica.
Jessica’s brother Thomas
also gets in on the act.
The Handlebar also has
karaoke facilities, which were put to good use on Jessica’s birthday.
The frontage of the “The
Handlebar”, tucked away in Thepprasit Soi 10, would make you believe it
to be just another bar; however, walk through the bar and in the garden
is a wonderful children’s play pool, ideal for Sunday family outings.
Birthday girl Jessica
Graham plays in the Handlebar pool with her friends.
PILC monster garage sale a success
There were plenty of
bargains to choose from.
Ingrid Cunliffe,
Welfare Chair, Pattaya International Ladies Club
On Saturday June 2nd the Pattaya International Ladies Club held a
“Monster Garage Sale” to assist Tiew from “Our Home” to reach her target
goal of funding she needs to extend the home at Phuluang.
 Crowds
of bargain hunters helped make the event a success.
This home is for homeless girls that Tiew takes in and gives them an
opportunity to start a new life off the streets and learn the art of
quilting. She gives then a roof over their heads and most importantly of
all she gives them love and security.
The extension will see Tiew able to take in more girls and that is a
great thing.
During the last few weeks the PILC has had donations of clothing,
furniture and other household items sent to Phuluang to be sold in the
sale. I would like at this point to thank Paul Wilkinson from Four Winds
Moving for the loan of a truck to get the big furniture that we had
donated from Gillian Thom out to Phuluang, we are most grateful for
that.
Friday saw Erin, Rosanne, Paula, Kathleen and myself together with Tiew
and her fabulous staff get the goods in place for Saturday.
Saturday came and even though I had arrived 20 minutes prior to the
actual opening time, many a face could be seen at the fence, keen to get
a bargain or two!
The gate opened at 9 a.m. with a flood of people; it was fantastic to
see!
As the day progressed, the crowds kept coming getting their bargains
galore.
We had a visit from Woody and the Jesters, making a noisy entrance on
the Harleys, with one Thai gentleman whom was bargain hunting keen to
let one of the boys let him have a ride on his prized machine!
The day ended with the last hour being “fill a bag for 100 baht”, which
always goes down well with the crowd!
I would like to thank Kathleen, Rosanne, Erin, Fiona, Emily, Paula,
Nancy and Cindy from the club for all their help with this project. Your
help, together with Tiew, her husband and staff made this a success.
Thank you.
I am thrilled to announce that we raised 75,000 baht and together the
Welfare Team and PILC look forward to give our continued support to Tiew
and her fabulous home.
If you are ever out near Green Valley, please take the time to see Tiew
and her fabulous quilts. She also sells a variety of fresh produce at a
great price, and even is the supplier for 5 top name restaurants in
Pattaya!
Even the younger
generation had plenty of fun things to choose from.
Latin ballroom dance success
Graeme Moore
Local Latin dance teacher Samantha (Jitrapun) Moore has continued to
earn a well deserved growing reputation for perfection, enthusiasm and
professionalism in her chosen career, by winning three awards recently
at two Latin ballroom dance competitions. She has won the awards with
her current dance partner Warong Tagerd (Khun Art), who is a Latin
ballroom dance teacher based in Bangkok.
 Sam
and Art with Walter Wat - vice president of the World Dance Council.
Sam is becoming well known locally as a dance instructor teaching mainly
the Salsa style, but early last year she decided to add Latin ballroom
dance to her repertoire, which includes styles such as Tango, Rumba and
Cha Cha Cha as well as the now popular Jive.
In the local Latin ballroom dance competition held in Bangkok on April
11, sponsored by the Thai Latin Dance Teachers Association, Sam and Art
won 3rd place, against some very stiff competition, but more
impressively they achieved a 2nd and 3rd place in the two Latin ballroom
dance categories in which they participated, at the World Amateur
Ballroom and Latin Dance Championship 2007 and “Super” Hong Kong
International Ballroom Dancing Championships held in Hong Kong on 28th
and 29th April 2007.
 Sam
and her biggest fan and supporter, husband Graeme.
These events attracted some 2,000 competitors from five continents,
including a contingent of 22 dancers from Thailand. Other competitors
came from Asia, Europe, including Russia, plus Canada, Australia and
South Africa. Sam was accompanied by her major fan and supporter, her
husband Graeme.
This was Sam’s first entry into international competition and her
achievement is made all the more impressive by the fact that Sam has
only been learning Latin ballroom style dance for less that a year.
Furthermore, Sam and Art have only been practicing together for 6
months, whereas most of the other couples have been dancing together and
competing in international events for many years. Professional Latin
dance judges from eight different countries adjudicated at the Hong Kong
event.
 Sam
and Art receiving congratulations from Karl Breuer, President of the
World Dance Council.
Sam attributes her success to a lot of dedication and hard work, the
support of her husband and children, as well as to the training, support
and encouragement she has received from her Latin ballroom teacher in
Bangkok, Alonggod Nutsati, a professional teacher, dancer and a Thai
National dance champion who together with his dance partner Wanchaya
Kumsook won a 3rd placing in the professional section of the World
Professional Championships at the Hong Kong event.
 Sam
and Art in action.
Sam’s main goal is to expand her dance repertoire to include a broader
range of Latin dance styles from Salsa to Latin ballroom dance and to
use her experience and expertise to offer a wider range of dance
“products” to her students in future. Another driving goal is to win a
major international competition.
Dedication to her career is certainly demonstrated by the fact that over
the past 6 months Sam has been driving to and from Bangkok for lessons
and practice sessions 4 to 5 times a week. So now after a few weeks of
comparative rest, apart from her normal teaching activities, Sam will
commence preparations for her next challenge, which is to compete in the
20th Singapore International Ballroom Dance Championships to be held in
that city state in October this year.
Sam, her dance teacher
Khun Alonggod and his partner Khun Wanchaya and other members of the
Thai contingent in Hong Kong.
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