By Laura Lee
Thanks to the invitation from our Ministry of Tourism and
Culture (MOTAC), I had the opportunity to attend Thailand-Malaysia @ 60: A Concert of
Harmony on 20 July 2017 to celebrate the 60 years of relationships between the
two countries via musical and cultural performances by well-known singers.
I have to admit I haven’t heard of our two local singers - Ernie
Zakri and Syamel before. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this free concert at Dewan Tunku
Abdul Rahman, Malaysia Tourism Centre in Kuala Lumpur (KL) although I had a
long day.
The night’s performance started with Episode I of a video
entitled Opportunity: Unity and Sustainability before Thai singer Anchuleeon
Buagaew (pix below) came on stage to perform her Thai number, Game Kiat Ti Yod or "Live Your Life With Dignity".
The other Thai artistes were Patcha Anek-Ayuwat, Pimdao
Panichsamai and Ton Thanasit Chaturapush. Pimdao sang a Malay number, “Nazam Berkasih” together with our two local singers.
Meanwhile, Patcha rendered two solo English songs, “Set fire to the rain” and “Blue Day.” According to Thai emcee Siriluck Mim Rattanawaropas (second from far right in topmost pix above), "Blue Day" was royally composed by the late King Bhumihol Adulyadej.
Their acts were accompanied by the
Yala City Municipality Youth Orchestra representing the southern provinces of Thailand while the
Thai traditional dances were performed by Bhunga Maratee from the Songkhla Rajabhat
University.
Ton Thanasit did a duet with songstress Ernie for a Malay
number, Ombak Rindu. He wowed the audience when he delivered, “All of me”.
After watching Episode III Opportunity: Taste & Try, the audience were asked to close their eyes. When we opened our eyes, we were surprised with sample OTOP packs of look yee or processed tamarind candy.
OTOP stands for One Tambon (district), One Product. A number of OTOP products were on display outside the concert hall before the programme for the night began at 8.30 pm.
During Episode 1V of Opportunity: To Pay Respect, the audience stood up to observe a minute of silence for the much revered late Thai King Bhumihol, who had initiated over 4,000 development projects for his people's well-being during his life time.
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| Pindao on far right belting her song |
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| Conductor Weerasak Aksornteang playing the trumpet while Patcha sang |
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| Thai dancers |
After watching Episode III Opportunity: Taste & Try, the audience were asked to close their eyes. When we opened our eyes, we were surprised with sample OTOP packs of look yee or processed tamarind candy.
OTOP stands for One Tambon (district), One Product. A number of OTOP products were on display outside the concert hall before the programme for the night began at 8.30 pm.
During Episode 1V of Opportunity: To Pay Respect, the audience stood up to observe a minute of silence for the much revered late Thai King Bhumihol, who had initiated over 4,000 development projects for his people's well-being during his life time.
The four Thai singers also delivered a number together called “The King of Thailand”.
To round up the night, the Thai and Malaysian singers sang the “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”.
This concert was made possible by MOTAC, which worked with Thai counterparts from the Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Embassy in KL.
To round up the night, the Thai and Malaysian singers sang the “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”.
This concert was made possible by MOTAC, which worked with Thai counterparts from the Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Embassy in KL.
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| The orchestra band takes its final bow with singers from both countries. |
