Khon and Classical Music Took Center Stage at Lumpini Park in a Free Open-Air Showcase

B.Grimm’s Khon–Concert in the Park brought together Thai heritage, young performers, and symphonic music for a memorable evening in the heart of Bangkok

Bangkok’s Lumpini Park was transformed into an open-air cultural stage as Khon–Concert in the Park took place on Sunday 22 March 2026 , from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Lumpini Pavilion.

Hosted by B.Grimm, the event combined traditional Thai masked dance drama with symphonic performance in a setting designed to be both accessible and atmospheric. Organized in collaboration with the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Kukrit Institute, the evening welcomed the public free of charge, drawing a diverse crowd of families, culture enthusiasts, and curious parkgoers.

The program opened with a khon presentation by young performers from the Kukrit Institute Performing Arts Center. Rooted in the Ramakien epic, khon remains one of Thailand’s most revered classical art forms, and the performances offered a vibrant introduction for many in attendance.

A series of short pieces highlighted the richness of Thai literary and performance traditions. Rabam Mae Ngu unfolded with graceful movements inspired by the Inao drama and the traditional children’s game Ngu Kluen Hang, while Pree Prem Vanorn brought energy and playfulness through the antics of the monkey warriors. One of the evening’s standout moments was the Ramakien episode Hanuman Catches Suphan Matcha, depicting the mythical encounter between Hanuman and the mermaid princess, daughter of Thotsakan.

The khon segment also featured a demonstration of traditional Thai martial arts, with performers showcasing staff and short-stick combat techniques that emphasized precision, agility, and discipline. The sequence concluded with Rabam Veerachai Ling, a dynamic dance portraying the inspection of the monkey army, choreographed by National Artist Kree Varasarin.

As dusk settled over the park, the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra took the stage for an open-air concert conducted by Nora-ath Chanklum. The orchestral performance added a contemporary dimension to the evening, offering audiences the rare experience of enjoying symphonic music in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Presented in two parts, the event successfully bridged classical Thai performing arts and Western orchestral music, creating a shared cultural space in the city. For younger audiences, it served as an inviting introduction to heritage art forms, while for others, it rekindled a sense of nostalgia and appreciation.

Khon–Concert in the Park not only entertained but also reinforced the importance of making cultural experiences accessible, bringing tradition and music into the everyday rhythms of urban life.

[PHOTO: Courtesy of B.Grimm]

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