Concert in the Park

Much-loved annual musical tradition finds new home at Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park

For the past two decades, Ian Thom, a famous entertainer in London, has spent his annual vacation visiting Thailand. Whenever he’s here, there is one event that he makes certain not to miss, and that is the Concert in the Park, a unique musical attraction in Bangkok.

The concerts were originally staged in Lumpini Park before being moved to a new location at Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park earlier in 2019. Having had a chance to compare both venues, Mr Thom says the new site is ideal for outdoor music.

“I am so impressed with this venue,” says Mr Thom, a music aficionado in his own right. “The acoustic sound here is much better than that of the previous location. Besides, coming here is pretty convenient as well.”

Not only has the park been designed especially to enhance the sound of an orchestra, it also offers easy access via public transport, attracting concert goers from all walks of life to enjoy a magnificent orchestral performances for free. Held every Sunday during the months of January and February, the concerts feature a broad selection of music, from classical and local Thai favorites to movie and Broadway medleys and pop numbers.

The Concert in the Park is distinctive for the harmonious atmosphere that prevails as music wafts through the green environment, where relaxed audience members are scattered about, many of them picnicking. Families and friends all sit on the green lawn in groups, chatting and sharing food and drinks. Laughing and running toddlers scooting around grannies while waiting for the music to start are a common sight. Passing joggers, unable to resist the melodies, stop to listen or move about in tune with the musical tempo.

“Concert in the Park is extraordinary for a reason,” says Assoc Prof Dr Nora-ard Chanklam, the maestro of the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (RBSO). “It caters to city dwellers, and is popular to both to Thais and foreigners. It is considered an annual grand event that people await eagerly.”

Founded in 1993, the Concert in the Park will celebrate its 27th anniversary early next year. Staged in cooperation between the RBSO and the Boon Rawd Brewery Co Ltd, the concert is under the royal patronage of HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya.

“CU Centenary Park is a newly opened city park which quite spacious in size. What is so special about it is its savvy design, which enables everyone in the audience sitting at the same level to have a perfect view of the orchestra,” says Vila Traitossavit, an adviser to the CEO of Boon Rawd Brewery.

“The ingenuity of the sound system design is also unrivalled, making our Concert in the Park on par with those in other countries. We wish that we could organize a concert here every year.”

Music lovers can learn more about Concert in the Park at the RBSO website. Free admission to all.

This article was originally published in CU Around February 2019, Vol.62, Issue 2, Page 5, available at https://www.chula.ac.th/magazine/16676/