David Hicken on Music, Thailand, and Why Chiang Mai Became Home
- Manta
- Jul 31
- 6 min read
The British composer and Shigeru Artist reflects on a lifetime in classical music and finding creative balance in Chiang Mai
For British composer and concert pianist David Hicken, music has never been simply a career: it has been a constant companion since childhood. After first visiting Thailand in 2003, he found himself drawn back repeatedly, eventually making the decision in 2019 to leave the United States and settle permanently in Chiang Mai.
Today, surrounded by mountains and a slower pace of life, he spends his days composing, recording, and performing for audiences around the world while embracing the culture and lifestyle of northern Thailand.
In this exclusive interview, David shares the composers who shaped his musical imagination, why Chiang Mai has become his creative sanctuary, and what Thailand has taught him about success, balance, and happiness.
Looking back, what was the moment that made you realize music would become your life's calling rather than simply a childhood pursuit?
I don't think there was a single defining moment. Music was simply always there. I began piano lessons at the age of three, grew up in a musical family, and spent my childhood surrounded by music. As I progressed through school and won competitions, studied at specialist music schools and later performed professionally, it gradually became obvious that music wasn't just something I enjoyed—it was who I was. Looking back now, I don't think I ever seriously considered doing anything else.
Outside of classical music, were there any rock, pop, jazz, or film composers who influenced your musical imagination growing up?
Absolutely. While my formal training was entirely classical, I loved listening to film music. John Williams, James Horner and Ennio Morricone all had an enormous impact on my imagination. They showed me how music could tell a story and create powerful emotions without words. I've always admired composers who write memorable melodies, regardless of genre.
If you had to introduce someone completely new to classical music with just three pieces, which would you choose and why?
I'd probably choose Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2 because it demonstrates just how emotionally powerful classical music can be. Then I'd choose Elgar's Nimrod from the Enigma Variations for its warmth and nobility. Finally, I'd include my own piece Absolution, because I think it represents the kind of contemporary classical music that many people who don't normally listen to the genre can immediately connect with.
How would you describe your compositional style in your own words?
I try to write music that is emotionally honest and melodically memorable. My roots are firmly classical, but I don't feel constrained by historical styles. If a piece needs the discipline of Baroque counterpoint, the richness of Romantic harmony or the scale of a modern orchestra, I'll use whatever serves the music. Above all, I want listeners to feel something.
Do your works begin with emotions, stories, landscapes, or simply musical ideas?
Usually they begin with a musical idea. I'll often hear a melody or harmonic progression in my head, and from there the emotional character starts to reveal itself. Sometimes a title comes before the music, but more often the music tells me what the piece is about rather than the other way around.
Has living in Chiang Mai changed the way you compose?
I don't think Thailand has changed my musical language directly, but it has certainly changed me as a person. Life here is calmer and less hurried than many places I've lived before. That slower pace gives me the mental space to think creatively and spend long uninterrupted days composing, which is probably the greatest gift any composer can have.
What should someone attending a David Hicken concert pay attention to beyond the notes themselves?
I'd encourage people simply to let the music take them somewhere. Don't worry about analysing it or understanding the theory. Listen for the shape of the melodies, the colours, the moments of tension and release, and the emotions behind the performance. Music is ultimately about communication rather than explanation.
What kept calling you back to Thailand?
The people. From my very first visit I found Thailand incredibly welcoming. Over time I also came to appreciate the quality of life, the climate and the balance it offers between modern convenience and traditional culture. Eventually it stopped feeling like somewhere I visited and started feeling like home.
Why did Chiang Mai win your heart?
Chiang Mai has a unique atmosphere. It's large enough to have everything I need, yet small enough to remain relaxed and manageable. Being surrounded by mountains is something I particularly love, and the city's combination of history, culture and nature suits both my personality and my work as a composer.
What continues to surprise or inspire you about Thailand?
I'm continually impressed by the kindness and generosity of ordinary Thai people. Even after many years here, I still find that spirit refreshing. It's something that's difficult to describe until you've experienced it yourself.
Is there anything about living in Thailand that you still haven't quite figured out?
Like every expatriate, there are always little cultural differences that keep you on your toes. Things don't always happen according to the timetable you might expect in the West, but over the years I've learned that patience usually produces better results than frustration.
What does an ideal day in Chiang Mai look like?
These days I'm very disciplined. I'll usually start with some exercise, then spend most of the day composing and recording. In the evening I might enjoy a meal out with friends or simply relax at home. It's a quiet life, but it's exactly the life I want.
Are there favorite places where inspiration finds you?
I actually do most of my creative work in my studio rather than searching for inspiration elsewhere. Having said that, I enjoy walking around some of Chiang Mai's beautiful temples and simply taking in the peaceful atmosphere. Those moments help clear my mind.
What do you appreciate most about life in Chiang Mai, and what would you change?
I appreciate the balance. Life feels less pressured here, which allows me to focus on creating music. If I could change one thing, it would probably be the air quality during the burning season, because that's one time of year when Chiang Mai loses some of its magic.
How would you describe Thailand's classical music community today?
It's grown enormously since I first came here. There are more excellent young musicians, more educational opportunities and more professional performances than ever before. It's encouraging to see classical music continuing to develop alongside Thailand's rapid modernisation.
Where would you recommend people experience classical music in Thailand?
Chiang Mai has several excellent university concerts and music festivals throughout the year, while Bangkok naturally has the country's largest concert venues and orchestras. Anyone interested should simply keep an eye on local concert listings because there is usually far more happening than people realise.
Does classical music still seem exclusive?
I think it sometimes does, but it doesn't need to. The best way to make classical music accessible is simply to perform music that connects emotionally with people. Listeners don't need a music degree to recognise a beautiful melody or to be moved by a performance.
What keeps you creatively motivated today?
I genuinely feel more inspired now than at any other point in my career. I've reached a stage where I'm no longer trying to imitate anyone else or chase trends. I'm simply writing the music I most want to hear, and fortunately there seems to be an audience that enjoys that journey with me.
What are you most excited about in the coming months?
My biggest focus is developing a new series of compositions that combine the organ with orchestra. It's an exciting direction because it allows me to unite my lifelong love of the organ with the colour and drama of a full orchestral sound. Alongside that, I'll continue composing solo piano and organ works for my growing international audience.
What has Thailand ultimately taught you?
Thailand has taught me that success isn't only measured by career achievements. Living here has reminded me to value balance, patience and gratitude. As a musician, that's helped me write more honestly. As a person, I think it's simply made me happier.
[PHOTO: Courtesy of David Hicken]
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