RBSO Welcomes Valentin Egel and Niklas Liepe for Royal Harmony at Thailand Cultural Centre

Expats Lifestyle
Jul 9
2 min read

The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra reunites with two acclaimed German artists for an evening of Bernstein, Portman, Handel, and Debussy

Conductor in a tuxedo leads an orchestra on a concert hall stage, baton raised, focused and intense. — *Conductor Valentin Egel*

The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (RBSO), under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, will present Royal Harmony on Sunday, 12 July 2026, bringing together internationally acclaimed conductor Valentin Egel and celebrated German violinist Niklas Liepe for an evening of orchestral masterworks at the Thailand Cultural Centre.

The concert marks an important moment for the orchestra as Egel returns to Bangkok following his appointment as the RBSO's Principal Guest Conductor, while Liepe reunites with the ensemble after previous performances that earned widespread acclaim. Together, they lead a program that bridges centuries of musical innovation, showcasing works by Leonard Bernstein, Rachel Portman, Aleksey Igudesman, George Frideric Handel, and Claude Debussy.

A New Chapter for the RBSO

Royal Harmony celebrates the continuation of two artistic partnerships that have flourished through previous collaborations with the orchestra.

Valentin Egel returns to the podium for the first time as the RBSO's newly appointed Principal Guest Conductor. Known for his dynamic conducting style, expressive interpretations, and refined musical insight, Egel has built an international reputation through performances with leading orchestras across Europe. His appointment signals an exciting new chapter in the RBSO's artistic journey while strengthening an already successful collaboration.

A focused violinist in a navy suit performs with an orchestra on a wood stage, surrounded by music stands and strings players. — *Violinist Niklas Liepe*

Joining him is German violinist Niklas Liepe, widely regarded as one of his country's most distinguished violinists. Renowned for his technical brilliance, imaginative programming, and emotionally compelling performances, Liepe's return to Bangkok promises another memorable collaboration with the orchestra.

A Program of Timeless Masterpieces

The evening opens with Leonard Bernstein's Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, an exhilarating orchestral suite that captures the energy, romance, and dramatic intensity of the iconic musical. Infused with jazz, Latin rhythms, and sweeping melodies, the work remains one of the most vibrant pieces in the orchestral repertoire.

Liepe then takes center stage for Rachel Portman's Tipping Points, a lyrical violin concerto by the Academy Award-winning British composer. Through soaring melodies and luminous orchestral textures, the work explores themes of transformation, resilience, and hope while highlighting the expressive depth of the solo violin.

The first half concludes with Passacaglia by Aleksey Igudesman, a virtuosic reinterpretation of a celebrated theme by George Frideric Handel. Blending Baroque elegance with dazzling contemporary violin techniques, the piece combines wit, technical brilliance, and musical creativity, offering another showcase for Liepe's remarkable artistry.

The program also features the atmospheric beauty of Claude Debussy, completing an evening that spans more than two centuries of musical creativity.