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A Grand Night at the Opera: Royal Cliff Style
From Mozart to Berntstein, the
Korean troupe kept the audience captivated with their marvelous renditions
of the opera classics.
Peter Cummins
It was, indeed, a splendid night for opera lovers recently at the Royal
Cliff Grande Ballroom, when a Korean troupe of opera singers regaled the
Royal Cliff “full-house” with some of the best-loved arias, in the most
beguiling and enjoyable styles, ranging from soprano, tenor, mezzo soprano
and basso, with some delightful duets and a full choral rendition of
“Airarang”, a traditional Korean folk song.
The vocal clarity was impeccable, the presentations superb and the decor,
minimal but appropriate: A large cut-out section of the Coliseum and a few
Graeco-Roman pillars scattered about the stage.
 Peter
thanks Mongkol and Duangdao Chayasirisobhon of D&M Music Studio for
arranging this world-class event.
The repertoire was enormous and the attendees, to a person, could scarcely
believe that the troupe was not from the native land of any particular
rendition, be it Italian, French, Spanish, nay, even English, with “I feel
pretty”, from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story, and “Deep River”,
reflecting the plaintiff tones of the American Deep South, in a by-gone era.
The evening was filled with arias from Bizet, Puccini, Verdi, Mozart,
Massenet and Saint-Saens, with a perfect accompaniment from the most
talented pianist, Na Won-Jin.
No one will forget the haunting and romantic strains of Cardillo’s
Neapolitan air, “Core’ n’grato” in the rich dialect of Italy’s Mezzogiorno
region.
The irascible, perfectly-timed duet by Jin-hee Kim and Hae-chul Lim, “Pa Pa
Pa”, from Mozart’s Zauberflote was a delightful, light-hearted accolade to
the love of life.
Several standing ovations kept the artists on stage for several encores,
including a tribute to His Majesty’s 60 years on the Thai Throne, with one
of his best-loved compositions, “Fallen Rain”, and another Korean folk-song.
In his own exquisite style, Ranjith Chandrasiri emceed the wonderful evening
and, as he had done his homework in his usual thorough manner, I am
delighted to reproduce Ranjith’s words here.
“On behalf of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, I would like
to thank you all for joining us on this marvellous occasion. It isn’t
everyday that we get to experience a world-class operatic performance and
tonight’s special concert would surely surpass all expectations.
“Tonight, opera fans and even those uninitiated to this kind of
entertainment would definitely find delight in the full-slate of
unforgettable operatic classics which will be brought to life by our nine
talented artistes.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mongkol Chayasirisobhon,
managing director of D&M Music Studio, for coordinating of the artistes and
Peter Malhotra, managing director of Pattaya Mail and Pattaya Blatt, for his
continuous support through sponsorship.
“(Soprano) Koo, Sung-Hee received her B.A. and M.A. from Korean Chosun
University College of Education, M.A. from the Russian Khabarovsk State
Institute of Art & Culture and PhD from the Far Eastern State Academy of
Arts. Her opera training in Austria was completed at the Wiener Musik
Hochschule under Meister Kurse. She has sung in many opera productions in
various countries. She is currently a lecturer at the Honam Theological
University and Seminary.
“(Soprano) Kim, Jin-Hee received her music diploma at the Bremen Musik
Hochschule in Germany and further studied at the Musik Konservatorium in
Hamburg, also in Germany. She was selected as the Best Performer in 1998 by
the Bremen Broadcasting Station in Germany. She has also performed in many
orchestra concerts and has appeared in many solo recitals in various
countries.
“(Mezzo Soprano) Yu Heui-Up has sung with opera companies throughout the
United States, Japan, Korea, Bulgaria and Romania, including Colorado Opera
in USA, Tokyo Chamber Opera and Korea National Opera.
“She has also performed as alto soloist in major oratorio and mass works
with Korea Symphony Orchestra, Korea Broadcasting System Symphony Orchestra,
Taiwan National Symphony Orchestra, Ukraine Symphony Orchestra and Ulsan
Symphony Orchestra in Taipei, Seoul, and in Boulder. Miss Yu was the
recipient of the Gregory Philip Ranno Excellence in Music Scholarship to
study in the University of Colorado. After winning the first prize at the
National Association of Teachers of Singing Artist Award Competition in USA,
she made her Colorado Opera debut at the Houston Fine Arts Center. Miss Yu
holds degrees from Hanyang University of Korea and the University of
Colorado in USA. She is currently an Instructor of Voice at the Hanyang
University and Kyewon Art High School in Korea.
“(Mezzo Soprano) Chon Chin graduated with the highest distinction from
Pescara National Conservatory in Italy and then continued her studies at the
Roma Art Academy. A brilliant prize winner in many renowned international
competitions has led to her professional opera career, appearing in many
orchestra concerts in various countries. Currently, she is a music lecturer
at Theological University.
“(Tenor) Kim, Hong-Tae is a music graduate from Korea in Konkuk University.
He continued his studies in Italy at the Bologna Conservatorio and Pescara
Academy in professional performance, and received his opera training at the
Alfredo Kraus Academy. Kim Hong-Tae is a professor in Konkuk University and
Kangnung National University.
“(Tenor) Kim, Baeck-Ho is a graduate of Chonnam National University with a
major in music, he then continued his studies in Italy at the Pescara
Conservatory of Music and the Teramo Academy. Kim, Baeck-Ho has presented
more than 300 concerts in Korea and other countries, including Italy, Japan
and Russia. Now, he is a committee member of the Gwangju Opera Company.
“(Baritone) Kim, Jae-Seon graduated from the Korean College of Music at
Yonsei University, and had been taught by Lim, Hae-Chul, the president of
Gwangju Opera Company. He appears to be a new main role performer in the
future which was proven in his several past performances since 2004.
“(Bass) Lim Hae-Chul, as a voice diploma graduate of the Santa Cecillia
Music Academy in Italy, was awarded first place in the Dong-Ah Music
Competition. He has also been a judge of worldwide vocal competitions such
as the International Verdi Vocal Competition in Italy. Since 1977, Lim Lim
Hae-Chul has appeared in more than 25 roles in various operas in many
countries, including Italy, Korea, Southeast Asian countries and the United
States. Currently he is a professor of Honam Theological University and
Seminary and the president of Gwangju Opera Company.
“(Pianist) Na, Won-Jin graduated in Musicology from Honam Theological
University and went on to complete her studies in music performance, at
Düsseldorf National College of Music in Germany and the Detmold National
College of Music. Currently, she teaches at the Honam Theological University
and Seminary, and is a piano accompanist for the Gwangju Opera Company in
Korea.”
All agreed entirely with Ranjith that it had been indeed “a splendid
performance” and he called on Panga Vathanakul, managing director of the
Royal Cliff Beach Resort, “To present awards of appreciation to friends of
the Cliff and media partners who had made such an event possible.”
Panga singled out Peter Malhotra, managing director of Pattaya Mail, Pattaya
Blatt and Pattaya Mail on TV, who had contributed so much, not just to the
performance, but to the overall promotion of Pattaya, through such a
memorable spectacle.
Then followed the touching Thai tribute to a performance highly appreciated:
a presentation by Panga of huge bouquets to the nine artists who had brought
us all out of our daily Pattaya lives, to ascend the heights of operatic and
musical splendour.
Panga Vathanakul (center)
congratulates the opera stars after the splendid performance.
Pattaya music lovers filled
the Grand Ballroom for an unforgettable journey through the world of opera.
Family and friends pay their respects
to Jon “Horse 158” Wilson
Hundreds farewell fallen friend and brother
Jon “Horse 158” Wilson was someone who was larger than
life and had the heart to match. He was well known in the Pattaya community
for his charity efforts, and in Thailand and the region’s motorcycling
fraternity. Jon loved to ride, but a tragic accident brought his life to an
end last month.
Paul Baker spoke of Jon
Wilson’s remarkable life.
On Tuesday February 28, hundreds of family and friends
turned out at St Nikolas Church on Sukhumvit Road to pay their last respects
to Jon. Harley Davidsons and other big bikes lined the road outside the
church as fellow ‘brothers’ clad in leathers from their respective clubs
from as far away as Hong Kong, the Philippines, UK, US and throughout
Thailand were present for the funeral ceremonies, along with Jon’s sister
and nephew from the UK and his wife Sheryl and daughter Jasmine.
During the eulogy, long time friend, workmate and fellow biker, Paul Baker
thanked everyone for attending and described Jon’s life to the diversity of
people who had turned out, “People have traveled from many countries to pay
their respects to Jon and that signifies the impact he had on people from
all walks of life … Jon was unique, born with a rare quality larger than
life itself. … He was a complex person in many ways … sensitive but also
volatile, he was a family man but could party with the best, he was team
player but also an individual.
Jon’s death was mourned, but
more importantly his life was celebrated on February 28.
“He was a lovable rogue who would do anything to help his
friends. This was exemplified by the Care for Kids charity bike ride that he
helped me establish, which culminated in a 700km bike ride from Ubon to
Pattaya in 5 days,” said Paul.
The ride raised 300,000 baht for the Jesters Care for Kids charity drive.
With the formalities over Jon’s coffin was then taken to Wat Poh in Naklua
for cremation. The car carrying Jon was followed by his favorite Harley
Davidson. The kilometer long funeral procession consisted of almost 200 big
bikes and numerous vehicles which roared Jon down the road for the last
time.
At the temple, Jon’s bike had its engine silenced for the lat time, as his
fellow Mad Dog MC brothers led him to the temple crematorium. The monks made
their blessings before the final goodbyes were said.
Mad Dog founders from the Philippines were present through the day and
relayed how the previous weekend they had made a three-day memorial ride in
Jon’s honor.
“It was a memorial ride and memorable one at that,” said Ken MDMC
Philippines member.
MDMC brothers traveled from
far and wide to attend Jon “Horse 158” Wilson’s funeral.
“We all felt that Jon was with us during the ride and
no-one was hurt despite the numerous flat tires and a couple of accidents,”
said Jerry, also from MDMC from the Philippines.
The kilometer long funeral
procession consisted of almost 200 big bikes and numerous vehicles which
roared Jon down the road for the last time.
True to Jon’s larger than life persona, he would have had
the last laugh, “He’s too bloody big to fit,” said Steve Graham, friend and
fellow MDMC member, with a grin.
At that Jon was laid to rest as his friends ate and drank to celebrate his
life and told tales of the many good times they had spent with Jon.
Rick Bryant, Foster Wheeler colleague who also worked with Jon said, “Jon
was a good engineer and it is a great loss to not only Foster Wheeler but to
everyone who knew him.”
Rick had known Jon since the mid 80s with Foster Wheeler in the UK.
With their final goodbyes said it was time to leave, many opting to have a
cold one for Jon “Horse 158” Wilson who leaves behind his loving wife Sheryl
and daughter Jasmine and a long list of people whose lives he had touched
with his zest for life.
The car carrying Jon was
followed by his favorite Harley Davidson.
4,300 motorcycles from home and overseas ride for peace
Narisa Nitikarn
Chopper riders and admirers gathered at the multi-purpose field on Soi
Chaiyapruk 2 on February 18, as Burapha Pattaya Bike Week revved up with a
parade around Pattaya City.
 Mayor
Niran Watthanasartsathorn speaks with musician Ad Carabao about who the
Harley fans were participating in this caravan
Organized by the Burapha Motorcycle Club in Pattaya, over 4,300 motorcycles
from Thailand and overseas gathered to promote the image of safe
motorcycling and motorcycle tourism. The youngest biker present was
four-year-old Tanapat Prasongcharoen from Suwanwinakarn School, who rode a
blue children’s bike alongside his parents in the parade.
Along with the motorcycles was a large number of classic cars and military
vehicles, all the bikes and vehicles coming from 300 groups around the world
including the Burapha Group, the Motorcycle Club of Thailand, the Para-motor
Group, Classic American Cars, the Cowboy Group, and Classic Motorcycles.
 Many
youngsters also took part in the event.
The parade moved from the indoor athletic sports stadium out onto Sukhumvit
Road, where it turned left and made its way to the North Pattaya Dolphin
Roundabout, and then to Beach Road. As tourists gathered to watch and
applaud the spectacle, the parade wended its way to Pratamnak Road via
Hanuman Bend, then to Soi Chaiyapruk and back to the starting point.
After the parade there was a demonstration of ceremonial drill from the
Royal Thai Naval Academy and a 60-gun salute, and then a group of
para-motorists gave a display before the official opening.
4,300 motorcycles of all
sizes, shapes and colors took part in this year’s Ride for Peace.
Sontaya Khunplome, advisor to the prime minister, and
Mayor Niran Watthanasartsathorn officiated, and the ceremony ended with a
show that included well-known musicians Tom Dandee, Laem Morrison,
John-Islam and Modern Dog.
Prasan Nikaji, chairman of the Burapha Motorcycle Club in Thailand, said
that the event had been four months in planning. Apart from charity work,
one of the main aims of the club is to promote the peaceful image of biking.
Motorcycle groups in Thailand support society rather than agitate it, he
said.
Aussie Chamber props up Shenanigans bar
The latest Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (AustCham)
Seaboard Sundowners networking evening was held in Shenanigans, with
landlord Simon all smiles to welcome his countrymen and lead them to the
bar.
 (Left
to right) Shenanigans GM Simon Dutton; Neil Russell, Bangkok operations
director for Manpower; and Tony Emmett, regional managing director of
Reynolds Polymer Technology Asia Ltd.
The evening was sponsored in part by the local AA Insurance Brokerage, with
Peter Smith and Malcolm Scorer surrounded by several pink-outfitted lovely
ladies, making sure that everyone present knew of their services in the
insurance field.
Many of the networkers were down from Bangkok to escape the capital’s heat
and do some canvassing themselves. Amongst these was Tony Borkett from
International Solutions Ltd (ISL), a company that covers much in the
provision of skilled labour in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Myanmar
and Mongolia, as well as Australia.
Welcoming everyone to the evening was the president of AustCham, Gary
Woollacott, who had only a few more days in the chair before the annual
election of office bearers. (However, he was returned at last week’s
election and will now spend another 12 months leading the chamber.)
 Malcolm
Scorer (left), director of AA Insurance Brokerage Co., Ltd. (sponsors of the
evening) and Gary Woollacott, president of Australian-Thai Chamber of
Commerce.
Many members were also pleased to see Sandra Lambrinos from Kirwan
Industries at the networking, but disappointed to hear she was heading back
to Australia very soon. The general feeling was that she would be back
before the end of the year!
Other regulars included “Big Jeff” Burrows from MBMG International who could
advise on where to place one’s money, Neil Russel and Simon Matthews from
Manpower who could supply the labour force to make the money and Geoffrey
Storey from TAIUN Transportation who could cart it away for you.
The next meeting and venue of the “down-under” group will be notified in the
Pattaya Mail.
(Left to right) Paul Fierro,
business development manager of Premier Oilfield Services Co., Ltd.; Kesinee
Silprasith, AA Insurance Brokerage Co., Ltd. administrator; Lee Hunter Jr,
operations manager of Premier Oilfield Services Co., Ltd.; and Jitra
Wongjuan, AA Insurance Brokerage Co., Ltd. administrator.
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