Bangkok’s “18th International Festival of Music and Dance” opens this month, with Russian ballet and opera, Israeli orchestra, Indian dance, Chinese acrobatics, not to forget a Swiss dance troupe with a Thai artiste playing the lead. Moscow’s famed Stanislavsky Ballet will present the ever-popular Swan Lake and Giselle, with grand sets and live orchestra, followed by the Helikon Opera Theatre who will enact Verdi’s powerful “Masked Ball” and Bizet’s unforgettable “Carmen.”
Meanwhile, Switzerland’s best-known Geneva Ballet will present Richard Wagner’s “Tristan and Isolde,” with award- winning Swiss-Thai artiste Sarawanee Tanatanit playing the lead. Outstanding Indian dancer Aditi Mangaldas and her troupe will spin out the best of the sizzling Kathak dance form, in a drama titled, “Uncharted Seas,” which has dazzled audiences around the world.
The world-renowned Israel Camerata Orchestra, led by founder-director Avnor Biron, is noted for their grand repertoire, and will play Bartok, Haydn, and Schubert, at the festival. The Hollywood Sound of Cinema program features eight powerful singers who will bring to life some of the best- known songs from Hollywood. For the whole family, there is the China National Acrobatic Troupe’s performance. They were a ‘hit’ last year and have many new acts for this year’s festival. (By Lekha Shankar)
Where: Thailand Cultural Center (Main Hall), Huay Kwang, Bangkok
How much: Different rates for each program (please check website)
More Info: www.bangkokfestivals.com, www.thaiticketmajor.com
