Bangkok Post – An evening of magic

In the opulent surroundings of Bangkok’s Banyan Tree, Somtow Sucharitkul, with the Siam Sinfonietta and a host of singers, earlier this month presented an evening of popular opera to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Opera Siam.

The lasting impression was something of an affectionate family dynamic. Maestro Somtow’s avuncular presence was there to lead but never dictate. He encouraged everyone to share and celebrate their individuality.

“As long as you sing the right notes at the right time, the rest is up to you,” he declared to the singers who were about to take on the fiendishly difficult trio from Der Rosenkavalier by Strauss. Under his guidance, everyone had their time to shine and they did so with much enthusiasm.

Somtow, a National Artist, has a reputation in the world of opera that borders on legendary. As a composer, conductor and director, he has blazed a…