Youth Khon and Symphony Fill Lumphini with Culture and Music
- Expats Lifestyle
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Young Khon performers and the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra brought an evening of classical Thai heritage and symphonic sound to Lumphini Park
Lumphini Park recently transformed into an open-air cultural stage as Khon-Cert in the Park brought together Thailand’s classical performing arts and symphonic music in a memorable evening beneath the city skyline.
Presented by B.Grimm, the event celebrated the timeless elegance of Khon, Thailand’s traditional masked dance drama, while introducing the art form through the energy and dedication of a new generation of performers from the Kukrit Institute Performing Arts Center.
The performance featured 71 young artists, with the youngest only seven years old, who presented the Khon episode Lak Sida – The Great Battle from the Ramakien, Thailand’s national epic. Accompanied by the vibrant sounds of a traditional piphat ensemble and live narration, the production revealed the discipline, grace, and expressive storytelling that define Khon, widely regarded as the pinnacle of Thai classical dance drama.
The Kukrit Institute Performing Arts Center was established under the Kukrit 80 Foundation to carry forward the cultural vision of the late M.R. Kukrit Pramoj, a statesman, scholar, and passionate advocate of Thai arts and heritage. Today, the center continues that legacy by training students in Khon, classical dance, music, and narration, welcoming young people from diverse backgrounds who share a commitment to preserving Thailand’s performing arts traditions.
Dr. Harald Link, Chairman of B.Grimm, highlighted the importance of supporting cultural initiatives that connect heritage with the next generation. Khon is one of Thailand’s most treasured performing arts and an important part of our national heritage. On the occasion of Lumphini Park’s 100th anniversary, we are honored to collaborate with the Kukrit Institute Performing Arts Center to help preserve this remarkable tradition while encouraging young people to discover and appreciate the beauty of Thai classical performing arts.
Following the Khon performance, the evening flowed seamlessly into a Concert in the Park by the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, Thailand’s leading orchestra under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. Against the relaxed backdrop of Lumphini’s green lawns, the orchestra continued its mission of bringing symphonic music closer to the public.Guest vocalists Sirikorn Jeerasawadsopon and Kittinant Chinsamran added emotional depth to the performance, their voices soaring alongside the orchestra’s lush arrangements.
One standout moment came with Kittinant’s heartfelt rendition of Can’t Help Falling in Love, the classic song popularized by Elvis Presley. Supported by the orchestra’s sweeping accompaniment, the familiar melody took on new warmth and resonance in the open-air setting.Another highlight followed with Sirikorn’s performance of Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid. Her bright, expressive vocals captured the song’s sense of wonder and longing, while the orchestra vividly brought the piece’s magical atmosphere to life.
As one of Thailand’s longest-established companies, B.Grimm continues to support initiatives that nurture arts, culture, and youth development. Through events such as Khon-Cert in the Park, the company aims to help preserve Khon as an important part of Thailand’s cultural heritage while inspiring new generations to engage with the country’s rich artistic traditions.
Following the success of the evening, additional Khon-Cert in the Park performances are scheduled at the Lumphini Pavilion on 22 March and 29 March 2026, offering audiences another chance to experience youth Khon and symphonic music in the heart of Bangkok.
[PHOTP: Courtesy of B.Grimm]
Comments