The 2nd TIPF Concerts Overview

🎶 Program 🎶

FRANZ LISZT - Années de pèlerinage book II “Italia.”

---- 20 minute Intermission -----

FRÉDÉRIC CHOPIN - 24 Preludes Op. 28

The festival's opening event will take you on a journey through piano music, whether it's to the island of Mallorca in Spain, where Chopin composed his 24 Preludes Op. 28, or to the romantic lakeside views of Lake Como from Liszt's Années de pèlerinage book II “Italia.” The performance will be delivered by the festival's Artistic Director, Phu Koanantakul, a pianist with an extensive performance portfolio recognized both in Thailand and internationally.

🎶 Program 🎶

FRANZ LISZT - 6 Concert Études
Akin Nilphairojana, piano (special guest pianist)

RÉDÉRIC CHOPIN - 12 Études Op.10
Anant Changwaiwit, piano

---- 20 minute Intermission -----

FRÉDÉRIC CHOPIN - Trois nouvelles études
Chonnakarn Sri-utai, piano (special guest pianist)

FRÉDÉRIC CHOPIN - 12 Études Op.25
Patchara Kawoeain, piano

Études is the French term for “study”, but if you are learning to play the piano and would like to learn this, you are gravely mistaken! Chopin’s Etudes are advanced and complex compositions that develop playing techniques - challenging but beautiful. These lyrical pieces are sure to captivate the audience whether you are a seasoned listener or just starting out. This performance of “Complete Chopin Etudes” is a dream come true for many pianists, the performers of this concert included, but how it will unfold, will be up to you to witness yourself! 

🎶 Program 🎶

ROBERT SCHUMANN - Carnaval, Op. 9

---- 20 minute Intermission -----

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN - Piano Sonata No. 29 in Bb major, Op. 106 “Hammerklavier”

Dr. Akkra, a dynamic young classical pianist and one of the most recognized talents in Thailand, will become the first Thai to "conquer the highest peak" by performing Beethoven's Hammerklavier Sonata. Beethoven himself mentioned in a letter to his publisher that "Here’s a sonata that will challenge pianists and that one will be able to play in 50 years”. In addition, the performance will feature Carnaval Op. 9 by the German composer Robert Schumann, a devotee of Beethoven who inherited both his spirit and intent, crafting music with profound hidden meanings. Unlike Beethoven, who often embedded philosophical reflections on life in his music, Schumann incorporated the secret code "ASCH" into this particular composition. Listeners with basic musical knowledge can enjoy unraveling this mystery while listening to Carnaval Op. 9. We invite daring musicians to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and decode the enigma alongside Dr. Akkra Yeunyonghattaporn.

By Akkra Yeunyonghattaporn

🎶 Program 🎶

ALEXANDER SCRIABIN 

• Piano Sonata, Op. 62, No. 6 
• Piano Sonata, Op. 68, No. 9, “Black Mass”
• Piano Sonata, Op. 64, No. 7, “White Mass”
• Piano Sonata, Op. 66, No. 8 
• Piano Sonata, Op. 53, No. 5

Kerk-sakul Jaree, piano

---- 20 minute Intermission -----

MAURICE RAVEL

• À la manière de Borodine, Valse, M. 63
• 2. Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61
• La valse, M. 72

Krit Niramittham, piano

With darkness comes light, and with demons comes angels. In this concert, we invite you to experience the darkness, frightfulness, and despair of music, one of the lesser-known and thought-of feelings associated with music. You will hear one of the most depressing compositions Scriabin ever wrote: Piano Sonata No. 6—a piece he claimed was inspired by a demon—paired with Piano Sonata No. 9 (Black Mass) and Piano Sonata No. 8. These dark and disturbing works will be juxtaposed with his Piano Sonata No. 7 (White Mass) and Piano Sonata No. 5, which serves as a musical exorcism. This journey will be guided by Kerk-sakul Jaree, a well-known Thai musician, composer, and arranger who has previously worked with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra.

However, this journey through darkness will eventually lead to the light at the end of the tunnel, with Dr. Krit Niramittham, a unique Thai pianist who is also a conductor, music educator, and theologian. He developed a deep appreciation for the French language, culture, and music during his five-year piano studies in Lausanne, Switzerland. Dr. Krit also dedicates himself to sharing his passion for French music with audiences in Thailand; in this concert, he will captivate everyone with the evocative and emotional dance music—Valses—of French composer Maurice Ravel, leaving you with a night that is sure to be unforgettable.

🎶 Program 🎶

W.A. MOZART - Piano Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, K 448

Boonisa Saleesuk, Piano I
Tipwatoo Aramwittaya, Piano II

----- 20 minute Intermission -----

CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS - Carnival of the Animals (for Two Pianos)

Tipwatoo Aramwittaya, Piano I
Krit Niramittham, Piano II

Join us in this rare opportunity to witness a delightful two-piano performance! We invite parents to spark their children’s imaginations through the music of French composer Camille Saint-Saëns’s Carnival of the Animals. This concert will bring children on a journey through the world of aquatic and land animals, small and large. The program also features Mozart's wonderful Piano Sonata for Two Pianos K448, by the only female pianist in this festival, Kru Pin Tipwatoo Aramwittaya, who made history last year by performing for the first time in Thailand Kapustin’s Complete Etudes Op. 40, known for their difficulty rarely attempted by others, and her 13 year-old student Boonisa Saleesuk. Together with Dr. Krit Niramittham, a unique Thai pianist who is also a conductor, music educator, and theologian, they promise to inspire and entertain the audience, making this event a memorable experience for all. 

🎶 Program 🎶

SERGEI RACHMANINOV -  Piano Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op.28

---- 20 minute Intermission -----

SERGEI RACHMANINOV -  Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor, Op.36

From the tragedy of Goethe's Faust to the enchanting, mysterious, and powerful melodies of the Russian composer Rachmaninov, Piano Sonata No. 1 will immerse listeners into the mind and emotions of Faust, the protagonist who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and power. This will be followed by Sonata No. 2, arguably Rachmaninov's greatest work, encompassing the despair and exhilaration that he masterfully portrays.These pieces will be brought to life by Dr. Yusuke Komura, a pianist with extensive experience in the musical world. Whether as a touring concert pianist in the United States, a chamber musician, or an arranger and piano teacher whose students have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York, Dr. Yusuke had done it all. He will be flying in from London to guide the audience through the magnificent world of Rachmaninov. This is truly an event not to be missed!

🎶 Program 🎶

J.S. BACH - English Suite No.3 in G minor BWV 808
W.A. Mozart - Piano Sonata No.10 in C Major, K330

----- 20 minute Intermission -----

BEETHOVEN/ALKAN - Piano Concerto No. 3, (1st movement)
BRAHMS/CZIFFRA - Hungarian dances Nos.6 and 5

The festival finale will take you on a journey back to the Baroque era with music of Johann Sebastian Bach, the father of music. This event will begin with English Suite No.3 in G minor, establishing a firm ground on classical music from the past. Progressing through the musical era time machine,
Dr. Jayanat will present Mozart Sonata K 330, then with a giant and daring leap, he will take a swerve and transform the concert hall to a 20th century take of a "solo" Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3 and Hungarian dances Nos.5, and 6 adapted by world-class pianists like C.V. Alkan and Gyorgy Cziffra. These are pieces rarely heard in Thailand because they require exceptional skill and mastery to perform. The pianist is ready—what about you?

By Jayanat Wisaijorn