Poom Prommachart is rapidly building a reputation as an outstanding performer and an artist of rare expressive depth. A student of Prof. Ian Jones at the Royal College of Music (RCM), he recently won the 1st Prize (The Kindersley Prize) and the Audience Prize donated by Leopold de Rothschild at the UK's Conservatories, Sheepdrove Piano Competition, featuring some of the brightest talents from all major UK conservatoires. Other recent successes include the 1st Prize in the Eastbourne Symphony Orchestra Young Soloist of the Year Competition, youngest finalist in the RCM Concerto Competition, The Henry Wood Trust Award, the Esther Fisher Prize for best undergraduate (RCM) and the 2nd Prizes at the International Chopin Piano Competition in Budapest (where he was also awarded a special prize for the best performance of a work by Liszt), Moray Piano Competition, Scotland and Top-Prize, the Joan Chisell Schumann Award (RCM).
Poom gave his first solo recital when he was 14 and has since given regular recitals and concerto performances throughout Thailand, Singapore, Japan, UK, France, Switzerland, Hungary and Greece. Most recently, Poom performed Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Eastbourne Symphony Orchestra to great acclaim. Forthcoming engagements in 2010 include many recitals in Europe and Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra at St. John’s Smith Square, London, Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with Thai Youth Orchestra, Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No. 2 with Newbury Symphony Orchestra, and Brahms's Piano Concerto No. 1 with North London Philharmonic Orchestra and Eastbourne Symphony Orchestra.
Poom studied with Thailand’s foremost piano teacher, Peerapong Surawan, and then with Rena Phua and Boris Kraljevic at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore. As a young student he won many awards and, at the age of 15, attained the FTCL Diploma from Trinity College. In 2007, he was awarded a full scholarship by H.R.H. Princess Galyani Vadhana and the Royal College of Music to continue his studies in London. Poom was also the last student of Yonty Solomon who described him as "A truly magnificent pianist POOM PROMMACHART ''.
Program
Sheep May Safely Graze, from Cantata BWV 208 J.S.Bach – Le Fleming
Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 2 No. 2 Beethoven
Apres une Lecture de Dante – Fantasia quasi Sonata Liszt
- Intermission -
Moments Musicaux No. 3 & 4, Op. 16 Rachmaninoff
Kreisleriana, Op. 16 Schumann
On Sunday, 20th December 2009, 7.00 p.m.
At Small Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre
Tickets: Baht 500 / 300 and 200 บาท (Students only) Available at Peerapong Music School
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL, SHANGRI-LA AND ZHANG ZIYI INVITE VIEWERS ON AN INCREDIBLE ECO-ADVENTURE
A Personal Journey of Exploration to Wild Places with International Movie Star Zhang Ziyi
How do people develop their cities while honouring their history and preserving the natural environment? Can those with an ancient connection to the land nurture their distinct art, music and culture in the modern world?
Premiering on National Geographic Channel at 10pm on Saturday, 14 November 2009 in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Zhang Ziyi Travel Series begins an exciting travel series in which the Beijing-born International movie star takes us on a personal journey of discovery with the help of local guides and famous friends such as globally acclaimed photographer Yu Tsai.
Originally created by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Zhang Ziyi Travel Series is a local National Geographic co-production with the hotel group to unveil the exceptional landscape of Oman and Inner Mongolia, and to show us the determination of local people to nurture their heritage, culture, history, music art, and preserve Mother Nature. The new travel series continues Ziyi’s longstanding association with the world’s leading Asia-based hotel group. As global brand ambassador, she helps Shangri-La communicate the importance of preserving nature and cultural heritage.
“National Geographic Channel and Shangri-La share a commitment to showcasing and preserving the natural beauty of the world. This unique documentary series is a result of this joint aim,” says Choylin Mok, Supervising Producer, National Geographic Channel Asia. “In these documentaries, Ziyi is more of a central character than a traditional host by opening her heart as she takes us from glittering metropolises to the very edge of the world.”
In episode one, we journey with Ziyi to watch endangered turtles hatch on a beach in Oman and see her dance with Bedouin warrior-musicians. In a highlight of episode two, she stars in a stunning high-fashion photo shoot on the wild steppes of Inner Mongolia, and follows a herd of wild horses at dawn. Through it all, we are entranced by Ziyi’s ability to embrace the cultures she encounters and make real connections with the people she meets.
“Thanks to Shangri La that provided tremendous support on this National Geographic Channel project as part of their contribution to protect the environment, nature and wild life, I am thrilled to have this unique opportunity to visit Oman and learn about how local people protect sea turtles and dolphins as part of their lives. Through this project, I fully appreciate how much nature gives us, which is why it is so important we give it back our care,” said Zhang Ziyi, Global Ambassador of Shangri-La.
“This opportunity for Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts to create a series with Zhang Ziyi on issues that will determine the fate of the earth and its people is a precious one. Partnering with National Geographic Channel is undoubtedly the best way to bring this awareness to the public. We are delighted to contribute to environmental awareness and conservation that makes people sit up and think about what they can do to care for the planet. These issues remain at the heart of Shangri-La’s social agenda,” said Madhu Rao, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.
Filmed in high-definition, Zhang Ziyi’s Travel Series presents a variety of visuals and stills of art and historical images of the most stunning natural landscape in Ziyi’s unique perspective.
Episodes include:
Episode 1: Zhang Ziyi’s Oman
In Zhang Ziyi’s Oman, Zhang Ziyi explores themes of heritage and conservation. Landing in Muscat, the capital of this Arabian nation, Ziyi meets local guide- Hafidh and visits the city’s old Souq, or marketplace, to learn about its social and economic functions. Oman is an Islamic nation, and local guide Khalfan Al-Esry hosts a tour of the impressively modern Grand Mosque. The sultanate’s coastline and natural history is also featured, as Ziyi joins Mohammed, resident turtle ranger from Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa on the water, where they encounter hundreds of dolphins, and on the beach, where they watch baby sea turtles hatching and making their way to the sea. She also meets the Sultan’s niece, Her Highness Sayyedha Tania Al-Said, who explains other conservation efforts underway in Oman. Finally, Ziyi ventures into the stunning Wahibi sands for an encounter with the nomadic Bedouin, where she learns about life in the desert, rides a camel on the dunes, and dances to the music the musicians perform for her.
Episode 2: Zhang Ziyi’s Inner Mongolia
Award-winning Chinese actress and global celebrity Zhang Ziyi explores the frontiers of high fashion on the steppes of Inner Mongolia with internationally renowned photographer Yu Tsai in Zhang Ziyi’s Inner Mongolia.
We preview the ensemble design of emerging couturier Jason Wu, famous for the Inaugural Ball gown worn by the U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama; and fashion-forward Gucci, D&G, Hermes, Dries van Noten, Helmut Lang, Armani, Prada and Marc Jacobs – accented with an eclectic mix of indigenous accessories, against the stunning backdrop of Inner Mongolia’s rolling plains.
We watch as Ziyi, Yu Tsai and his team search for the perfect locations, lighting, and pose for this high-fashion shoot. Together, they explore the grasslands, battle the elements, and learn about local customs and traditions. Filmed in high-definition and presented with a sound track of powerful and emotive local music, Zhang Ziyi’s Inner Mongolia combines fashion, photography, travel and culture, with one of China’s most beautiful and charismatic stars at its centre.
About National Geographic Channels International
National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) invites viewers to re-think the way they see television - and the world - with smart, innovative programming. A business enterprise owned by National Geographic Television (NGT) and FOX Entertainment Group, NGCI contributes to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education through its six channels: National Geographic Channel, National Geographic Channel HD, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Wild HD, Nat Geo Adventure and Nat Geo Music.
Globally, National Geographic Channel (including NGC U.S. which is a joint venture of NGT and Fox Cable Networks Group) is available in 305 million homes in 165 countries and 34 languages. For more information, please visit www.natgeotv.com
About Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific’s leading luxury hotel group, currently owns and/or manages 65 hotels under the deluxe Shangri-La and mid-market Traders brands, with a rooms inventory of over 28,000. The group has over 40 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, United Kingdom and the United States. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.
How do people develop their cities while honouring their history and preserving the natural environment? Can those with an ancient connection to the land nurture their distinct art, music and culture in the modern world?
Premiering on National Geographic Channel at 10pm on Saturday, 14 November 2009 in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Zhang Ziyi Travel Series begins an exciting travel series in which the Beijing-born International movie star takes us on a personal journey of discovery with the help of local guides and famous friends such as globally acclaimed photographer Yu Tsai.
Originally created by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Zhang Ziyi Travel Series is a local National Geographic co-production with the hotel group to unveil the exceptional landscape of Oman and Inner Mongolia, and to show us the determination of local people to nurture their heritage, culture, history, music art, and preserve Mother Nature. The new travel series continues Ziyi’s longstanding association with the world’s leading Asia-based hotel group. As global brand ambassador, she helps Shangri-La communicate the importance of preserving nature and cultural heritage.
“National Geographic Channel and Shangri-La share a commitment to showcasing and preserving the natural beauty of the world. This unique documentary series is a result of this joint aim,” says Choylin Mok, Supervising Producer, National Geographic Channel Asia. “In these documentaries, Ziyi is more of a central character than a traditional host by opening her heart as she takes us from glittering metropolises to the very edge of the world.”
In episode one, we journey with Ziyi to watch endangered turtles hatch on a beach in Oman and see her dance with Bedouin warrior-musicians. In a highlight of episode two, she stars in a stunning high-fashion photo shoot on the wild steppes of Inner Mongolia, and follows a herd of wild horses at dawn. Through it all, we are entranced by Ziyi’s ability to embrace the cultures she encounters and make real connections with the people she meets.
“Thanks to Shangri La that provided tremendous support on this National Geographic Channel project as part of their contribution to protect the environment, nature and wild life, I am thrilled to have this unique opportunity to visit Oman and learn about how local people protect sea turtles and dolphins as part of their lives. Through this project, I fully appreciate how much nature gives us, which is why it is so important we give it back our care,” said Zhang Ziyi, Global Ambassador of Shangri-La.
“This opportunity for Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts to create a series with Zhang Ziyi on issues that will determine the fate of the earth and its people is a precious one. Partnering with National Geographic Channel is undoubtedly the best way to bring this awareness to the public. We are delighted to contribute to environmental awareness and conservation that makes people sit up and think about what they can do to care for the planet. These issues remain at the heart of Shangri-La’s social agenda,” said Madhu Rao, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.
Filmed in high-definition, Zhang Ziyi’s Travel Series presents a variety of visuals and stills of art and historical images of the most stunning natural landscape in Ziyi’s unique perspective.
Episodes include:
Episode 1: Zhang Ziyi’s Oman
In Zhang Ziyi’s Oman, Zhang Ziyi explores themes of heritage and conservation. Landing in Muscat, the capital of this Arabian nation, Ziyi meets local guide- Hafidh and visits the city’s old Souq, or marketplace, to learn about its social and economic functions. Oman is an Islamic nation, and local guide Khalfan Al-Esry hosts a tour of the impressively modern Grand Mosque. The sultanate’s coastline and natural history is also featured, as Ziyi joins Mohammed, resident turtle ranger from Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa on the water, where they encounter hundreds of dolphins, and on the beach, where they watch baby sea turtles hatching and making their way to the sea. She also meets the Sultan’s niece, Her Highness Sayyedha Tania Al-Said, who explains other conservation efforts underway in Oman. Finally, Ziyi ventures into the stunning Wahibi sands for an encounter with the nomadic Bedouin, where she learns about life in the desert, rides a camel on the dunes, and dances to the music the musicians perform for her.
Episode 2: Zhang Ziyi’s Inner Mongolia
Award-winning Chinese actress and global celebrity Zhang Ziyi explores the frontiers of high fashion on the steppes of Inner Mongolia with internationally renowned photographer Yu Tsai in Zhang Ziyi’s Inner Mongolia.
We preview the ensemble design of emerging couturier Jason Wu, famous for the Inaugural Ball gown worn by the U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama; and fashion-forward Gucci, D&G, Hermes, Dries van Noten, Helmut Lang, Armani, Prada and Marc Jacobs – accented with an eclectic mix of indigenous accessories, against the stunning backdrop of Inner Mongolia’s rolling plains.
We watch as Ziyi, Yu Tsai and his team search for the perfect locations, lighting, and pose for this high-fashion shoot. Together, they explore the grasslands, battle the elements, and learn about local customs and traditions. Filmed in high-definition and presented with a sound track of powerful and emotive local music, Zhang Ziyi’s Inner Mongolia combines fashion, photography, travel and culture, with one of China’s most beautiful and charismatic stars at its centre.
About National Geographic Channels International
National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) invites viewers to re-think the way they see television - and the world - with smart, innovative programming. A business enterprise owned by National Geographic Television (NGT) and FOX Entertainment Group, NGCI contributes to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education through its six channels: National Geographic Channel, National Geographic Channel HD, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Wild HD, Nat Geo Adventure and Nat Geo Music.
Globally, National Geographic Channel (including NGC U.S. which is a joint venture of NGT and Fox Cable Networks Group) is available in 305 million homes in 165 countries and 34 languages. For more information, please visit www.natgeotv.com
About Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific’s leading luxury hotel group, currently owns and/or manages 65 hotels under the deluxe Shangri-La and mid-market Traders brands, with a rooms inventory of over 28,000. The group has over 40 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, United Kingdom and the United States. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Black Crowes fly free
The Black Crowes may be "the most unlikely group of career-minded people ever", as singer Chris Robinson puts it, but that hasn't kept the band from outlasting any number of others along the way.
The Georgia-bred group's debut,Shake Your Money Maker (1990), introduced the classic-rock-influenced band with a pair of No. 1 rock singles,She Talks to Angels and a stomping rendition of Otis Redding's Hard to Handle , and logged worldwide sales of more than eight million copies.
It was a heady launch for a career that has since produced seven more studio albums, including the new Before the Frost ... Until the Freeze and a collaboration with Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, as well as acknowledged feuds between Robinson and his younger brother, guitarist-co-writer Rich Robinson, and even a three-year hiatus.
"You just look at it and think about how lucky we are to still be here, at the level we are," the 42-year-old Robinson says."Far more talented people than us didn't get a chance to make as many records as we did, for whatever reason,so I'm very grateful."
Even declining sales since Shake Your Money Maker and occasional reviews that dismiss the Crowes as outdated "this archaic band", one critic called them- haven't dulled their enthusiasm or sense of purpose.
"I think we're happy with our cult status," Robinson says in the front lounge of the Crowes' tour bus, relaxing before a performance at the Rothbury Festival in western Michigan."I think it would be the silliest thing in the world if we tried to be something that we're not.We'd done a lot of different cycles and we've gone through a lot, and it's always been a hassle, in a way, because we're a real counterculture band. We're against the system on a number of levels, whether it's our liberal politics or the way we approach the music business.
"But you know what? I think it's more fun than it's ever been," the singer says."The pace is better, and it's more fulfilling,too."
His brother echoes that sentiment."I'm more than happy with the way things are," Rich Robinson says."With the newer guys we have [guitarist Luther Dickinson and keyboardist Adam MacDougall], for the first time in a long time it feels like,'This is our band, this is where we're headed.' It's very positive."
Currently the Black Crowes, who also include founding drummer Steve Gorman and long-time bassist Sven Pipien, record for their own label, Silver Arrow Records. That gives the group a level of independence to pursue any musical course it wants.
"There's an energy we can still have to be creative," Chris Robinson says."Our creative potential is always in what's happening now. I don't know how far this band could go just ... living on what was. Our greatest hits, I mean. You can do it, a lot of bands do it, but that's not how we ever saw ourselves.
"To me it's all about,'What can we do that we haven't done?"'
Before the Frost ... Until the Freeze is a greater expression of that creative freedom than even Warpaint (2008), the Crowes'"comeback" album, which was the band's first in seven years and its first for Silver Arrow.
"The thing about Warpaint that made me the most excited is that we definitely dug into our roots vibe in a lot of the songs," Robinson says,"and added more folk and country elements, which has always been a big part. But I think sometimes we would get to the threshold and then we would back off and maybe make something a little more down-themiddle.
"This time we followed our instincts more."
For the new album Robinson wanted to follow those instincts even further.His idea, inspired by the Grateful Dead's Europe '72 concert album, was to record all-new material in front of a live audience.
"You listen to [Europe '72 ] and they play a lot of music that became iconic for them," the singer says."Even He's Gone , that's the first time they ever played it. I was like,'That's balls. We've got balls. We should do that!"'
Another piece of the puzzle fell into place while Robinson was holidaying in Woodstock, New York, with his girlfriend and Ryder, his son with ex-wife Kate Hudson. The three attended a "Midnight Ramble", a community-style jam session hosted by The Band's Levon Helm at his nearby barn-recording studio.
"We went over there and it was so much fun and the music was so great,"Robinson recalls.
"Here you are in Woodstock in a barn that's set up as a studio and a live venue,and it's ... perfect. We had been talking about logistics for [the album]- how do we do it? where do we do it?- and I'm sitting behind the console at Levon's place listening to what they're doing and I was like,'It's right here!"'
"It's independent in its spirit and the vibe of how committed everyone is to the music is important there," he says."The next day we all went over to see Levon."
Before the Frost ... Until the Freeze
was recorded during five shows at Helm's barn in February and March.
The Georgia-bred group's debut,Shake Your Money Maker (1990), introduced the classic-rock-influenced band with a pair of No. 1 rock singles,She Talks to Angels and a stomping rendition of Otis Redding's Hard to Handle , and logged worldwide sales of more than eight million copies.
It was a heady launch for a career that has since produced seven more studio albums, including the new Before the Frost ... Until the Freeze and a collaboration with Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, as well as acknowledged feuds between Robinson and his younger brother, guitarist-co-writer Rich Robinson, and even a three-year hiatus.
"You just look at it and think about how lucky we are to still be here, at the level we are," the 42-year-old Robinson says."Far more talented people than us didn't get a chance to make as many records as we did, for whatever reason,so I'm very grateful."
Even declining sales since Shake Your Money Maker and occasional reviews that dismiss the Crowes as outdated "this archaic band", one critic called them- haven't dulled their enthusiasm or sense of purpose.
"I think we're happy with our cult status," Robinson says in the front lounge of the Crowes' tour bus, relaxing before a performance at the Rothbury Festival in western Michigan."I think it would be the silliest thing in the world if we tried to be something that we're not.We'd done a lot of different cycles and we've gone through a lot, and it's always been a hassle, in a way, because we're a real counterculture band. We're against the system on a number of levels, whether it's our liberal politics or the way we approach the music business.
"But you know what? I think it's more fun than it's ever been," the singer says."The pace is better, and it's more fulfilling,too."
His brother echoes that sentiment."I'm more than happy with the way things are," Rich Robinson says."With the newer guys we have [guitarist Luther Dickinson and keyboardist Adam MacDougall], for the first time in a long time it feels like,'This is our band, this is where we're headed.' It's very positive."
Currently the Black Crowes, who also include founding drummer Steve Gorman and long-time bassist Sven Pipien, record for their own label, Silver Arrow Records. That gives the group a level of independence to pursue any musical course it wants.
"There's an energy we can still have to be creative," Chris Robinson says."Our creative potential is always in what's happening now. I don't know how far this band could go just ... living on what was. Our greatest hits, I mean. You can do it, a lot of bands do it, but that's not how we ever saw ourselves.
"To me it's all about,'What can we do that we haven't done?"'
Before the Frost ... Until the Freeze is a greater expression of that creative freedom than even Warpaint (2008), the Crowes'"comeback" album, which was the band's first in seven years and its first for Silver Arrow.
"The thing about Warpaint that made me the most excited is that we definitely dug into our roots vibe in a lot of the songs," Robinson says,"and added more folk and country elements, which has always been a big part. But I think sometimes we would get to the threshold and then we would back off and maybe make something a little more down-themiddle.
"This time we followed our instincts more."
For the new album Robinson wanted to follow those instincts even further.His idea, inspired by the Grateful Dead's Europe '72 concert album, was to record all-new material in front of a live audience.
"You listen to [Europe '72 ] and they play a lot of music that became iconic for them," the singer says."Even He's Gone , that's the first time they ever played it. I was like,'That's balls. We've got balls. We should do that!"'
Another piece of the puzzle fell into place while Robinson was holidaying in Woodstock, New York, with his girlfriend and Ryder, his son with ex-wife Kate Hudson. The three attended a "Midnight Ramble", a community-style jam session hosted by The Band's Levon Helm at his nearby barn-recording studio.
"We went over there and it was so much fun and the music was so great,"Robinson recalls.
"Here you are in Woodstock in a barn that's set up as a studio and a live venue,and it's ... perfect. We had been talking about logistics for [the album]- how do we do it? where do we do it?- and I'm sitting behind the console at Levon's place listening to what they're doing and I was like,'It's right here!"'
"It's independent in its spirit and the vibe of how committed everyone is to the music is important there," he says."The next day we all went over to see Levon."
Before the Frost ... Until the Freeze
was recorded during five shows at Helm's barn in February and March.
Flower extravaganza set to return
The floral extravaganza Ratchaphruek Festival returns to Chiang Mai next month from Dec 1-10 to celebrate the 82nd birthday anniversary of His Majesty the King, the world's longest reigning monarch.
Organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives,the provincial administration and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the festival is expected to draw more than 200,000 visitors.
According to Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT's deputy governor for marketing communications, on Dec 5,which is the King's birthday,there will be a grand ceremony involving the lighting of candles and offering of prayers wishing His Majesty sound health,followed by fireworks and light and sound presentation.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will preside over the festival opening on Dec 1 when he'd join local notaries to release 999 floating lanterns, followed by Thai classical dances from the four regions of the country,with 99 performers from each region.
Taking place at the same venue that played host to the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek held to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty's accension to the throne in 2006, the festival is an exhibition of flowers, plants and fruits,sale of farm products, handicrafts and OTOP goods, and contests featuring farm commodities.
The event three years ago featured roughly 2.5 million plants and flowers,including some rare orchids, and drew about as many visitors.
"The festival should help boost tourism and raise hotel occupancy in Chiang Mai," said the deputy governor.
A first in Chanthaburi
Launched on Oct 26 in Chanthaburi,the first training centre for management of shipwrecks and underwater cultural heritage brings together 16 archaeologists from across the Southeast Asia region.
The training programme is a part-nership between Unesco, the Ministry of Culture and the Underwater Archaeology Division of the Department of Fine Arts.
"Thousands of historical items have already been stolen by treasure hunters and if preventative measures are not put into place to combat the illegal trade,even more priceless treasures will disappear from Asian waters," said Ricardo Favis of Unesco's Bangkok office, adding "Asian maritime archaeologists are still in their infancy, so we must improve their knowledge and skills."
The first batch comprises trainees from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia,the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand.The course runs until Dec 5. It is conducted by experts from Australia, England and Holland, and covers subjects such as maritime law,in situ preservation of shipwrecks and underwater sites, museology, treasure hunters and monitoring techniques, shipbuilding technology and ethnographic boat recording.
The Chantaburi facility is one of the best-equipped in the region and located in proximity of shipwreck sites, allowing the trainees to field-test practical skills.
Major TAT push in Moscow
The Tourism Authority of Thailand's (TAT) office in Moscow has embarked on a major offensive after the number of Russians visiting Thailand dropped 29.43 per cent in the first four months of this year.
In 2008, Russian visitors to Thailand totaled 319,587, up 14.23%over the previous year, and generated 16.24 billion baht in tourism revenue. During 2002-08, the number of Russian visitors to Thailand grew by an annual average of 28.79% while their spending grew by 32.76% annually. However, the global financial crisis saw their number drop by 29.43% during January to April this year.
Therefore TAT's Moscow office launched the "Welcome to Thailand Mega Fam" campaign last week, reining in 70 Russian travel agents and media representatives to its cause."Our research shows many opportunities for growth," said Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT's deputy governor in charge of marketing communications."Russia is mainly a winter-season market as Russians love our warm weather, the beaches and the sea. Many also enjoy learning diving and exploring underwater treasures around the Andamans and the Gulf of Thailand."
TAT is targetting high-end tourists and meeting delegates through tour packages to Bangkok with a detour to neighbouring countries, and expects the campaign to generate 293,000 visitors from Russian alone, not to mention the Central Asian republics, for a turnover of roughly 14.03 billion baht this winter.
Park encroachment
The Department of National Park,Wildlife and Plant Conservation last week raided a marine park in Trang Province,the site of a private resort, and seized 20 workers before ordering a halt to further construction.
Almost 80 per cent complete the resort,valued at 20 million baht, belongs to a Songkhla businessman. Located in Hat Chao Mai Marine Park, it's built on a strip of land where construction is forbidden.
The raid followed complaints from locals. Somchai Masathien, director of the Forest Fire Control Division led a 50-strong force to the construction site and arrested the workers, after which he told the local media that the building will be demolished.
Tiger resumes flights
Anticipating a rise in passenger traffic during the upcoming tourist season, Tiger Airways has resumed flights between Singapore and Krabi.
"We are very excited about the resumption of Krabi flights. With four flights a week you now have an additional choice of a holiday destination," said Tiger Airways Managing Director Rosalynn Tay.
All of them are afternoon flights available Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The start-up price is at 535 baht excluding surcharges.
Visit www.tigerairways.com for more information.
Concert by the river
"Jazz de Chang Kanchanaburi" is a charity concert scheduled Nov 7 in front of the bridge over the Kwai River in Kanchanaburi.
Proceeds from the event will go to the conservation of elephants in Salakpra,the country's first wildlife sanctuary located in the province.
The concert will feature the Biggles Big Band from the Netherlands and the Bangkok Connection.
The event is jointly organised by the provincial administration, the Dutch Embassy, the private sector in Kanchanaburi,the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the local chapter of Elephant Conservation Network.
Tickets for the concert are priced at 800 baht and include dinner.
For more information, call 034-514-771.
Organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives,the provincial administration and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the festival is expected to draw more than 200,000 visitors.
According to Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT's deputy governor for marketing communications, on Dec 5,which is the King's birthday,there will be a grand ceremony involving the lighting of candles and offering of prayers wishing His Majesty sound health,followed by fireworks and light and sound presentation.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will preside over the festival opening on Dec 1 when he'd join local notaries to release 999 floating lanterns, followed by Thai classical dances from the four regions of the country,with 99 performers from each region.
Taking place at the same venue that played host to the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek held to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty's accension to the throne in 2006, the festival is an exhibition of flowers, plants and fruits,sale of farm products, handicrafts and OTOP goods, and contests featuring farm commodities.
The event three years ago featured roughly 2.5 million plants and flowers,including some rare orchids, and drew about as many visitors.
"The festival should help boost tourism and raise hotel occupancy in Chiang Mai," said the deputy governor.
A first in Chanthaburi
Launched on Oct 26 in Chanthaburi,the first training centre for management of shipwrecks and underwater cultural heritage brings together 16 archaeologists from across the Southeast Asia region.
The training programme is a part-nership between Unesco, the Ministry of Culture and the Underwater Archaeology Division of the Department of Fine Arts.
"Thousands of historical items have already been stolen by treasure hunters and if preventative measures are not put into place to combat the illegal trade,even more priceless treasures will disappear from Asian waters," said Ricardo Favis of Unesco's Bangkok office, adding "Asian maritime archaeologists are still in their infancy, so we must improve their knowledge and skills."
The first batch comprises trainees from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia,the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand.The course runs until Dec 5. It is conducted by experts from Australia, England and Holland, and covers subjects such as maritime law,in situ preservation of shipwrecks and underwater sites, museology, treasure hunters and monitoring techniques, shipbuilding technology and ethnographic boat recording.
The Chantaburi facility is one of the best-equipped in the region and located in proximity of shipwreck sites, allowing the trainees to field-test practical skills.
Major TAT push in Moscow
The Tourism Authority of Thailand's (TAT) office in Moscow has embarked on a major offensive after the number of Russians visiting Thailand dropped 29.43 per cent in the first four months of this year.
In 2008, Russian visitors to Thailand totaled 319,587, up 14.23%over the previous year, and generated 16.24 billion baht in tourism revenue. During 2002-08, the number of Russian visitors to Thailand grew by an annual average of 28.79% while their spending grew by 32.76% annually. However, the global financial crisis saw their number drop by 29.43% during January to April this year.
Therefore TAT's Moscow office launched the "Welcome to Thailand Mega Fam" campaign last week, reining in 70 Russian travel agents and media representatives to its cause."Our research shows many opportunities for growth," said Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT's deputy governor in charge of marketing communications."Russia is mainly a winter-season market as Russians love our warm weather, the beaches and the sea. Many also enjoy learning diving and exploring underwater treasures around the Andamans and the Gulf of Thailand."
TAT is targetting high-end tourists and meeting delegates through tour packages to Bangkok with a detour to neighbouring countries, and expects the campaign to generate 293,000 visitors from Russian alone, not to mention the Central Asian republics, for a turnover of roughly 14.03 billion baht this winter.
Park encroachment
The Department of National Park,Wildlife and Plant Conservation last week raided a marine park in Trang Province,the site of a private resort, and seized 20 workers before ordering a halt to further construction.
Almost 80 per cent complete the resort,valued at 20 million baht, belongs to a Songkhla businessman. Located in Hat Chao Mai Marine Park, it's built on a strip of land where construction is forbidden.
The raid followed complaints from locals. Somchai Masathien, director of the Forest Fire Control Division led a 50-strong force to the construction site and arrested the workers, after which he told the local media that the building will be demolished.
Tiger resumes flights
Anticipating a rise in passenger traffic during the upcoming tourist season, Tiger Airways has resumed flights between Singapore and Krabi.
"We are very excited about the resumption of Krabi flights. With four flights a week you now have an additional choice of a holiday destination," said Tiger Airways Managing Director Rosalynn Tay.
All of them are afternoon flights available Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The start-up price is at 535 baht excluding surcharges.
Visit www.tigerairways.com for more information.
Concert by the river
"Jazz de Chang Kanchanaburi" is a charity concert scheduled Nov 7 in front of the bridge over the Kwai River in Kanchanaburi.
Proceeds from the event will go to the conservation of elephants in Salakpra,the country's first wildlife sanctuary located in the province.
The concert will feature the Biggles Big Band from the Netherlands and the Bangkok Connection.
The event is jointly organised by the provincial administration, the Dutch Embassy, the private sector in Kanchanaburi,the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the local chapter of Elephant Conservation Network.
Tickets for the concert are priced at 800 baht and include dinner.
For more information, call 034-514-771.
KARAOKE BUSINESS AND ROYALTY FEE COLLECTING AGENCIES
Since their introduction, karaoke machines have been popular among Thai consumers and part of the restaurant business throughout the country. But karaoke machines cannot operate without musical content, most of which is copyright-protected.
Widespread use of karaoke machines together with musical works hascertainly caught the attention of musical copyright owners. They started to enforce their rights by specifying the royalty rate and conducting police raids against those who use tunes without authorisation. It is important to note that using musical works without proper authorisation is a criminal offence carrying a jail term of up to four years or a fine of up to 800,000 baht (Section 69(2) Copyright Act).
For most small business owners, this fine is a huge figure. In 2002, a group of small restaurant owners with illegal karaoke operations surrounded a leading Thai musical company on Asok Road to protest the business concept in which musical companies would collect royalty fees for songs used by karaoke businesses.The restaurateurs later moved their protest to the Ministry of Commerce.
Since 2002, the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), the Ministry of Commerce, and the police, among other agencies, have tried to resolve the conflict between restaurateurs and rights owners, but little progress has been achieved. Copyright owners want to collect royalty fees whenever their songs are played, whereas the karaoke operators believe fees are too high and that many musical companies collect fees outside of a properly regulated system.
Furthermore, there is no system in place to determine who the rightful owner of each song is. Some composers have transferred their copyright to more than one music publisher. The DIP has listed these "problem songs" and has asked the police not to prosecute the karaoke operators using these problematic songs.
This uncertainty calls for a law to regulate collecting agencies. In 2007,during Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont's administration, the ministry proposed to amend the Copyright Act to establish a collection agency that would administer a minimum number of songs,with royalty rates controlled by the DIP.The minimum songs requirement is to avoid too many small agencies, each owning only a few songs, collecting royalty fees. A lot of collecting agencies would impose too great a burden on karaoke operators. But the draft was shelved by the National Assembly because of protests against the agency's establishment in front of Parliament by a group believed to be connected to the musical right owners.
Government-facilitated meetings have continued since, but to no avail. In 2009,under Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government, the Ministry of Commerce has proposed new amendments of the Copyright Act for review by the Council of State, which serves as the government's legal adviser. While the amendments propose to make buying counterfeit products an offence, and to make landlords liable when tenants sell counterfeit products, a proposal for a royalty collection agency is not included.After two years of trying to pass its 2007 proposal, it seems the Ministry of Commerce has given up hope, at least in the short term.
Thailand is one of the few countries in Southeast Asia that leaves royalty fee collection to musical companies, who take the law into their own hands without any proper control from authorities.Other Asean countries have established collection agencies, including the Philippines' Filipino Society of Composers Authors and Publishers,Singapore's Recording Industry Performance Singapore, and Malaysia's three collection agencies.
The lack of royalty collecting systems in Thailand means karaoke machine operators continue to be pitted against copyright owners and their collection agencies. Therefore, it is important that there must be clear and manageable legal rules for the collecting of royalties in the karaoke business. The authorities need to come up with concrete solutions to solve this long-pending predicament.It is unlikely that this matter would come to an end soon unless concerted efforts are made by all parties concerned.
Widespread use of karaoke machines together with musical works hascertainly caught the attention of musical copyright owners. They started to enforce their rights by specifying the royalty rate and conducting police raids against those who use tunes without authorisation. It is important to note that using musical works without proper authorisation is a criminal offence carrying a jail term of up to four years or a fine of up to 800,000 baht (Section 69(2) Copyright Act).
For most small business owners, this fine is a huge figure. In 2002, a group of small restaurant owners with illegal karaoke operations surrounded a leading Thai musical company on Asok Road to protest the business concept in which musical companies would collect royalty fees for songs used by karaoke businesses.The restaurateurs later moved their protest to the Ministry of Commerce.
Since 2002, the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), the Ministry of Commerce, and the police, among other agencies, have tried to resolve the conflict between restaurateurs and rights owners, but little progress has been achieved. Copyright owners want to collect royalty fees whenever their songs are played, whereas the karaoke operators believe fees are too high and that many musical companies collect fees outside of a properly regulated system.
Furthermore, there is no system in place to determine who the rightful owner of each song is. Some composers have transferred their copyright to more than one music publisher. The DIP has listed these "problem songs" and has asked the police not to prosecute the karaoke operators using these problematic songs.
This uncertainty calls for a law to regulate collecting agencies. In 2007,during Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont's administration, the ministry proposed to amend the Copyright Act to establish a collection agency that would administer a minimum number of songs,with royalty rates controlled by the DIP.The minimum songs requirement is to avoid too many small agencies, each owning only a few songs, collecting royalty fees. A lot of collecting agencies would impose too great a burden on karaoke operators. But the draft was shelved by the National Assembly because of protests against the agency's establishment in front of Parliament by a group believed to be connected to the musical right owners.
Government-facilitated meetings have continued since, but to no avail. In 2009,under Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government, the Ministry of Commerce has proposed new amendments of the Copyright Act for review by the Council of State, which serves as the government's legal adviser. While the amendments propose to make buying counterfeit products an offence, and to make landlords liable when tenants sell counterfeit products, a proposal for a royalty collection agency is not included.After two years of trying to pass its 2007 proposal, it seems the Ministry of Commerce has given up hope, at least in the short term.
Thailand is one of the few countries in Southeast Asia that leaves royalty fee collection to musical companies, who take the law into their own hands without any proper control from authorities.Other Asean countries have established collection agencies, including the Philippines' Filipino Society of Composers Authors and Publishers,Singapore's Recording Industry Performance Singapore, and Malaysia's three collection agencies.
The lack of royalty collecting systems in Thailand means karaoke machine operators continue to be pitted against copyright owners and their collection agencies. Therefore, it is important that there must be clear and manageable legal rules for the collecting of royalties in the karaoke business. The authorities need to come up with concrete solutions to solve this long-pending predicament.It is unlikely that this matter would come to an end soon unless concerted efforts are made by all parties concerned.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
THE KING OF POP DEFIES RECESSION
Amidthe current economic downturn, one thing apparently can still sell like hot cakes: CDs of the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
His movie and CD may generate as much as US$400 million (Bt13.3 billion) in sales worldwide as fans turn out to see and hear the last live performances by the great entertainer.
"Michael Jackson's This Is It" album, featuring one new song, went on sale yesterday. The movie with the same title opens tomorrow in more than 90 countries, including 3,400 theatres in the US, Bloomberg quoted Hollywood.com Box-Office as saying.
More than 1,000 US shows were sold out as of October 22, according to the online ticket vendor Fandango.com. Cinemas in London, Sydney, Bangkok and Tokyo also reported sell-outs, according to Sony, which is releasing the film and the album. In the UK, sales toppoed those of "Harry Potter" and "The Lord of the Rings" at the Vue Entertainment chain.
"It's a true phenomenon," said Tim Richards, chief executive officer of London-based Vue, whose cinema near the 02 Arena, where Jackson was scheduled to perform a series of comeback concerts, is among those that sold out.
Jackson's work may be prized more after his death than it was in life, said Robert Sillerman, CEO of CKX, the New York-based operator of Graceland, Elvis Presley's Tennessee home, and co-producer of "American Idol".
"In death, people remember the best of somebody," Sillerman said. "Certainly that is turning out to be the case with Elvis and the Beatles. I think it will turn out to be the case in Michael's situation."
Jackson died at age 50 on June 25 in Los Angeles of a drug overdose, three weeks before he was to perform in concerts.
The film may generate $300 million to $400 million in global ticket sales, said Jeff Bock, a box-office analyst for Los Angeles-based researcher Exhibitor Relations. US sales in the first five days may be $55 million to $60 million, said Jeffrey Hartke, an analyst with Los Angeles-based Hollywood Stock Exchange, which forecasts film performance.
The two-disc album, with the new track "This is It", as well as "Billie Jean", "Smooth Criminal" and "Thriller", may sell 200,000 to 500,000 copies in the US, according to Silvio Pietroluongo, director of sales charts at Billboard magazine.
His movie and CD may generate as much as US$400 million (Bt13.3 billion) in sales worldwide as fans turn out to see and hear the last live performances by the great entertainer.
"Michael Jackson's This Is It" album, featuring one new song, went on sale yesterday. The movie with the same title opens tomorrow in more than 90 countries, including 3,400 theatres in the US, Bloomberg quoted Hollywood.com Box-Office as saying.
More than 1,000 US shows were sold out as of October 22, according to the online ticket vendor Fandango.com. Cinemas in London, Sydney, Bangkok and Tokyo also reported sell-outs, according to Sony, which is releasing the film and the album. In the UK, sales toppoed those of "Harry Potter" and "The Lord of the Rings" at the Vue Entertainment chain.
"It's a true phenomenon," said Tim Richards, chief executive officer of London-based Vue, whose cinema near the 02 Arena, where Jackson was scheduled to perform a series of comeback concerts, is among those that sold out.
Jackson's work may be prized more after his death than it was in life, said Robert Sillerman, CEO of CKX, the New York-based operator of Graceland, Elvis Presley's Tennessee home, and co-producer of "American Idol".
"In death, people remember the best of somebody," Sillerman said. "Certainly that is turning out to be the case with Elvis and the Beatles. I think it will turn out to be the case in Michael's situation."
Jackson died at age 50 on June 25 in Los Angeles of a drug overdose, three weeks before he was to perform in concerts.
The film may generate $300 million to $400 million in global ticket sales, said Jeff Bock, a box-office analyst for Los Angeles-based researcher Exhibitor Relations. US sales in the first five days may be $55 million to $60 million, said Jeffrey Hartke, an analyst with Los Angeles-based Hollywood Stock Exchange, which forecasts film performance.
The two-disc album, with the new track "This is It", as well as "Billie Jean", "Smooth Criminal" and "Thriller", may sell 200,000 to 500,000 copies in the US, according to Silvio Pietroluongo, director of sales charts at Billboard magazine.
KARAOKE BUSINESS AND ROYALTY FEE COLLECTING AGENCIES
Since their introduction, karaoke machines have been popular among Thai consumers and part of the restaurant business throughout the country. But karaoke machines cannot operate without musical content, most of which is copyright-protected.
Widespread use of karaoke machines together with musical works hascertainly caught the attention of musical copyright owners. They started to enforce their rights by specifying the royalty rate and conducting police raids against those who use tunes without authorisation. It is important to note that using musical works without proper authorisation is a criminal offence carrying a jail term of up to four years or a fine of up to 800,000 baht (Section 69(2) Copyright Act).
For most small business owners, this fine is a huge figure. In 2002, a group of small restaurant owners with illegal karaoke operations surrounded a leading Thai musical company on Asok Road to protest the business concept in which musical companies would collect royalty fees for songs used by karaoke businesses.The restaurateurs later moved their protest to the Ministry of Commerce.
Since 2002, the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), the Ministry of Commerce, and the police, among other agencies, have tried to resolve the conflict between restaurateurs and rights owners, but little progress has been achieved. Copyright owners want to collect royalty fees whenever their songs are played, whereas the karaoke operators believe fees are too high and that many musical companies collect fees outside of a properly regulated system.
Furthermore, there is no system in place to determine who the rightful owner of each song is. Some composers have transferred their copyright to more than one music publisher. The DIP has listed these "problem songs" and has asked the police not to prosecute the karaoke operators using these problematic songs.
This uncertainty calls for a law to regulate collecting agencies. In 2007,during Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont's administration, the ministry proposed to amend the Copyright Act to establish a collection agency that would administer a minimum number of songs,with royalty rates controlled by the DIP.The minimum songs requirement is to avoid too many small agencies, each owning only a few songs, collecting royalty fees. A lot of collecting agencies would impose too great a burden on karaoke operators. But the draft was shelved by the National Assembly because of protests against the agency's establishment in front of Parliament by a group believed to be connected to the musical right owners.
Government-facilitated meetings have continued since, but to no avail. In 2009,under Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government, the Ministry of Commerce has proposed new amendments of the Copyright Act for review by the Council of State, which serves as the government's legal adviser. While the amendments propose to make buying counterfeit products an offence, and to make landlords liable when tenants sell counterfeit products, a proposal for a royalty collection agency is not included.After two years of trying to pass its 2007 proposal, it seems the Ministry of Commerce has given up hope, at least in the short term.
Thailand is one of the few countries in Southeast Asia that leaves royalty fee collection to musical companies, who take the law into their own hands without any proper control from authorities.Other Asean countries have established collection agencies, including the Philippines' Filipino Society of Composers Authors and Publishers,Singapore's Recording Industry Performance Singapore, and Malaysia's three collection agencies.
The lack of royalty collecting systems in Thailand means karaoke machine operators continue to be pitted against copyright owners and their collection agencies. Therefore, it is important that there must be clear and manageable legal rules for the collecting of royalties in the karaoke business. The authorities need to come up with concrete solutions to solve this long-pending predicament.It is unlikely that this matter would come to an end soon unless concerted efforts are made by all parties concerned.
Widespread use of karaoke machines together with musical works hascertainly caught the attention of musical copyright owners. They started to enforce their rights by specifying the royalty rate and conducting police raids against those who use tunes without authorisation. It is important to note that using musical works without proper authorisation is a criminal offence carrying a jail term of up to four years or a fine of up to 800,000 baht (Section 69(2) Copyright Act).
For most small business owners, this fine is a huge figure. In 2002, a group of small restaurant owners with illegal karaoke operations surrounded a leading Thai musical company on Asok Road to protest the business concept in which musical companies would collect royalty fees for songs used by karaoke businesses.The restaurateurs later moved their protest to the Ministry of Commerce.
Since 2002, the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), the Ministry of Commerce, and the police, among other agencies, have tried to resolve the conflict between restaurateurs and rights owners, but little progress has been achieved. Copyright owners want to collect royalty fees whenever their songs are played, whereas the karaoke operators believe fees are too high and that many musical companies collect fees outside of a properly regulated system.
Furthermore, there is no system in place to determine who the rightful owner of each song is. Some composers have transferred their copyright to more than one music publisher. The DIP has listed these "problem songs" and has asked the police not to prosecute the karaoke operators using these problematic songs.
This uncertainty calls for a law to regulate collecting agencies. In 2007,during Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont's administration, the ministry proposed to amend the Copyright Act to establish a collection agency that would administer a minimum number of songs,with royalty rates controlled by the DIP.The minimum songs requirement is to avoid too many small agencies, each owning only a few songs, collecting royalty fees. A lot of collecting agencies would impose too great a burden on karaoke operators. But the draft was shelved by the National Assembly because of protests against the agency's establishment in front of Parliament by a group believed to be connected to the musical right owners.
Government-facilitated meetings have continued since, but to no avail. In 2009,under Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government, the Ministry of Commerce has proposed new amendments of the Copyright Act for review by the Council of State, which serves as the government's legal adviser. While the amendments propose to make buying counterfeit products an offence, and to make landlords liable when tenants sell counterfeit products, a proposal for a royalty collection agency is not included.After two years of trying to pass its 2007 proposal, it seems the Ministry of Commerce has given up hope, at least in the short term.
Thailand is one of the few countries in Southeast Asia that leaves royalty fee collection to musical companies, who take the law into their own hands without any proper control from authorities.Other Asean countries have established collection agencies, including the Philippines' Filipino Society of Composers Authors and Publishers,Singapore's Recording Industry Performance Singapore, and Malaysia's three collection agencies.
The lack of royalty collecting systems in Thailand means karaoke machine operators continue to be pitted against copyright owners and their collection agencies. Therefore, it is important that there must be clear and manageable legal rules for the collecting of royalties in the karaoke business. The authorities need to come up with concrete solutions to solve this long-pending predicament.It is unlikely that this matter would come to an end soon unless concerted efforts are made by all parties concerned.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Vienna Mozart Trio gala concert
The Grand Hyatt Erawan, Bangkok will host a gala concert,"Haydn Anniversary 2009", to be performed by the Vienna Mozart Trio, on October 21 at the Grand Ballroom of the hotel. The event will feature a 90-minute recital by the internationally acclaimed Auner family, namely Irina (piano), Daniel (violin) and Diethard (Cello). Their repertoire includes works by Haydn, Brahms, Schirk and Schumann. The Vienna Mozart Trio is known around the world and has performed on many prestigious stages from Asia to Europe. The Haydn Anniversary 2009 Concert is sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank in association with the Rotary Club of Bangkok and the Grand Hyatt Erawan, Bangkok.Proceeds will go to community-related projects under the patronage of the Rotary Club of Bangkok.
Tickets for 'Haydn Anniversary 2009' are 2,000 baht each. For reservations, contact the Grand Hyatt Erawan, Bangkok on 02-254-1234 ext 4324/5, from 9am to 5pm on weekdays,9am to noon on Saturdays.
Tickets for 'Haydn Anniversary 2009' are 2,000 baht each. For reservations, contact the Grand Hyatt Erawan, Bangkok on 02-254-1234 ext 4324/5, from 9am to 5pm on weekdays,9am to noon on Saturdays.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Boyzone pay tribute to their "brother"
Thousands of Boyzone fans gathered in Dublin on Friday when the body of singer Stephen Gately arrived home for his funeral following his death in Spain.
People lining the roads outside a local funeral home applauded as a hearse carrying his coffin arrived.
His body had been escorted back to Ireland by the other members of the group: Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham,Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy.
With them on the private plane was Gately's partner Andrew Cowles, whom he married in a civil union in 2006.
Before leaving Palma airport on the Mediterranean island of Majorca, Keating read a statement and spoke of the band's grief.
"Last Saturday, our world changed forever when we lost our friend and brother Stephen."
He said the band and Gately's family had been overwhelmed by the messages of love and support they had received.
"What the future holds for the four of us now is too hard to even think about but we know that nothing will ever be the same without our dearest friend Stephen."
Keating promised an "unforgettable send-off" for Gately,33, who was found dead on Oct 10 in his holiday apartment in the Majorcan town of Port Andratx.
Keating and his bandmates have had tattoos featuring Gately's birth and death years in commemoration of him.
Irish police issued a special traffic management plan to deal with the large crowds that were expected to attend yesterday's funeral at St Lawrence O'Toole's church in Seville Place, close to his family home.
Close family and friends paid their respects at the funeral home and there was a private family mass on Friday.Local residents have been cleaning and painting the church for the funeral, and the surviving members of the band held an overnight vigil with Gately's remains.
The band's website says that Mr Cowles has asked that rather than flowers people should make a donation to a children's charity for which Gately was an ambassador. A further memorial service will be held in London, where Gately and Mr Cowles lived.
An autopsy revealed Gately died due to excess fluid in his lungs, a court spokeswoman in Majorca said.
"He died a natural death of acute pulmonary oedema which had nothing to do with any consumption of alcohol or drugs," the spokeswoman said.
Pulmonary oedema, or water on the lungs, can be due to either the failure of the heart to remove fluid from the lungs or direct damage to the lung tissue.
Gately joined the Irish pop band Boyzone in 1993 after answering an advert in Dublin for an audition.
The band went on to enjoy huge inter-national success, but split up in 2000.
They reunited seven years later, but their recent 19-date "Better" tour failed to fill stadiums, despite offers of free tickets.Gately also starred in West End mu-
sicals in London, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat .
People lining the roads outside a local funeral home applauded as a hearse carrying his coffin arrived.
His body had been escorted back to Ireland by the other members of the group: Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham,Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy.
With them on the private plane was Gately's partner Andrew Cowles, whom he married in a civil union in 2006.
Before leaving Palma airport on the Mediterranean island of Majorca, Keating read a statement and spoke of the band's grief.
"Last Saturday, our world changed forever when we lost our friend and brother Stephen."
He said the band and Gately's family had been overwhelmed by the messages of love and support they had received.
"What the future holds for the four of us now is too hard to even think about but we know that nothing will ever be the same without our dearest friend Stephen."
Keating promised an "unforgettable send-off" for Gately,33, who was found dead on Oct 10 in his holiday apartment in the Majorcan town of Port Andratx.
Keating and his bandmates have had tattoos featuring Gately's birth and death years in commemoration of him.
Irish police issued a special traffic management plan to deal with the large crowds that were expected to attend yesterday's funeral at St Lawrence O'Toole's church in Seville Place, close to his family home.
Close family and friends paid their respects at the funeral home and there was a private family mass on Friday.Local residents have been cleaning and painting the church for the funeral, and the surviving members of the band held an overnight vigil with Gately's remains.
The band's website says that Mr Cowles has asked that rather than flowers people should make a donation to a children's charity for which Gately was an ambassador. A further memorial service will be held in London, where Gately and Mr Cowles lived.
An autopsy revealed Gately died due to excess fluid in his lungs, a court spokeswoman in Majorca said.
"He died a natural death of acute pulmonary oedema which had nothing to do with any consumption of alcohol or drugs," the spokeswoman said.
Pulmonary oedema, or water on the lungs, can be due to either the failure of the heart to remove fluid from the lungs or direct damage to the lung tissue.
Gately joined the Irish pop band Boyzone in 1993 after answering an advert in Dublin for an audition.
The band went on to enjoy huge inter-national success, but split up in 2000.
They reunited seven years later, but their recent 19-date "Better" tour failed to fill stadiums, despite offers of free tickets.Gately also starred in West End mu-
sicals in London, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat .
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The saga drags on
The National Telecommunications Communications (NTC) finally confirmed that a lot of people have a lot of interest in thirdgeneration (3G) yuppiephone service,and not very many of them have kind thoughts about the regulators; about 1,000 people from the phone companies,financial advisers and phone suppliers showed up for what the NTC would be the one and only public hearing on its plans to auction and regulate 3G services;not so fast, said the private business leaders, such as Athueck Asvanont, who is chairman of vice at True Move ; he explained to the NTC that the constitution (Article 84-1) bans the government from competing with telecoms firms,and what are AIS (of Shingapore) and DTAC (of Norway) but foreign state companies?; then the lawyers took a crack at the commission, explaining that it is actually illegal for the NTC to get involved in 3G, because it is a matter for the National Broadcasting Commission, which doesn't exist yet - and any action by the NTC could be overturned by a court decision, sinking 3G even further behind high technology countries like Laos and Cambodia.
For those who missed it, lawyer Wirot Poonsuwan wrote an excellent review in a certain daily newspaper of the dogand-pony show known as 3G licensing and operation; it is online at www.bangkokpost.com/business/telecom/24707.
The Energy Ministry announced field tests on biodiesel B10 fuel will soon begin, supervised by PTT and the ministry's own Department of Energy Business; if everything goes as expected,the new fuel could win approval as soon as early next year; B10 is 90 percent regular diesel and 10 percent methyl ester, produced from palm.
Your CAT Telecom is no longer a long-distance telephone company, it is an "integrated wireless services provider"; so says your CAT president Jirayuth Roongsrithong, who figures the state enterprise can boost income by spreading out a bit here, tweaking a bit there, and reap the benefits of broadband Internet; but what CAT really is waiting for is issuing licences for thirdgeneration phones, because broadband services will really grow, then; Mr Jirayuth predicted CAT will gross 52 billion baht by the end of the year, even though international call income is certain to slide again.
The Metropolitan Electricity Authority slogged along on its lonely quest to bury power lines in Bangkok; all it has to do is to coordinate with City Hall, telecoms firms and mass-transit operators; MEA governor Pornthape Thunyapongchai noted the "poor city development plan" of previous Bangkok administrators; for now, the only underground power lines are around the Grand Palace and along Silom Road;the MEA is trying to herd the cats into a 3-billion-baht plan to bury wires along Phaya Thai, Sukhumvit and Phahon Yothin, and their sois.
Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC Corp said flatly it would capture a quarter of the Thai smartphone market volume and value - by New Year's Eve; country manager Nattawat Woranopakul figured it would be easy to sell about 100,000 of the phones Thais will buy this year, and grow HTC revenues by 20 percent to 1.8 billion baht; overall,he expects Thais to buy 10 million yuppiephones for 27.9 billion baht - a huge drop from the record 47.3 billion baht in 2006; part of the reason for the drop is falling phone prices, with the cost of smartphones this year alone dropping from a 2008 average of 16,000 to 12,000 baht.
The company formerly known as Philips of Holland, now called China Electronics Corp (CEC) of Shenzhen,vowed to make a comeback in the Thailand yuppiephone market and get into the world Top 5 again by 2014; Philip Lee, who handles overseas affairs for CEC subsidiary Shenzhen Sang Fei Con-sumer Communications, predicted confidently he would double sales in Thailand and globally this year, selling six million phones in total; Philips sold the phone business to the Chinese firm in 2007.
Entertainment giant GMM Grammy signed a deal with Chunghwa Telecom of Taiwan to provide Thai and other Asian workers to download music from the Internet trough their phones; managing director Surachai Sensri of GMM International was so devastated by all that homesickness by the 350,000 immigrant workers in Taiwan that he decided to cash in on it with music from the homeland; the exclusive deal allows Grammy to provide a "buffet service"of continuous music for the equivalent of 52 baht a month, and Grammy also expects to get streaming rights to Vietnamese and Philippines music for the service.
Thailand crunched the numbers on a single production base for the electrical and electronics industry in Southeast Asia - and gave a big smile; eliminating all import tariffs and facilitating trade with the Asean Free Trade Area (Afta)will give a big boost to the Thai industry;Charuek Hengrasmee, president of the Electrical and Electronics Institute, and Katiya Greigarn, chairman of the Electrical, Electronics Industry Club at the Federation of Thai Industries, noted the currently strong position of Thailand in the making of hard drives and electrical appliances - air conditioners,refrigerators and microwaves, say and figured that in international eyes,Thailand will be "the manufacturing centre of the region."
For those who missed it, lawyer Wirot Poonsuwan wrote an excellent review in a certain daily newspaper of the dogand-pony show known as 3G licensing and operation; it is online at www.bangkokpost.com/business/telecom/24707.
The Energy Ministry announced field tests on biodiesel B10 fuel will soon begin, supervised by PTT and the ministry's own Department of Energy Business; if everything goes as expected,the new fuel could win approval as soon as early next year; B10 is 90 percent regular diesel and 10 percent methyl ester, produced from palm.
Your CAT Telecom is no longer a long-distance telephone company, it is an "integrated wireless services provider"; so says your CAT president Jirayuth Roongsrithong, who figures the state enterprise can boost income by spreading out a bit here, tweaking a bit there, and reap the benefits of broadband Internet; but what CAT really is waiting for is issuing licences for thirdgeneration phones, because broadband services will really grow, then; Mr Jirayuth predicted CAT will gross 52 billion baht by the end of the year, even though international call income is certain to slide again.
The Metropolitan Electricity Authority slogged along on its lonely quest to bury power lines in Bangkok; all it has to do is to coordinate with City Hall, telecoms firms and mass-transit operators; MEA governor Pornthape Thunyapongchai noted the "poor city development plan" of previous Bangkok administrators; for now, the only underground power lines are around the Grand Palace and along Silom Road;the MEA is trying to herd the cats into a 3-billion-baht plan to bury wires along Phaya Thai, Sukhumvit and Phahon Yothin, and their sois.
Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC Corp said flatly it would capture a quarter of the Thai smartphone market volume and value - by New Year's Eve; country manager Nattawat Woranopakul figured it would be easy to sell about 100,000 of the phones Thais will buy this year, and grow HTC revenues by 20 percent to 1.8 billion baht; overall,he expects Thais to buy 10 million yuppiephones for 27.9 billion baht - a huge drop from the record 47.3 billion baht in 2006; part of the reason for the drop is falling phone prices, with the cost of smartphones this year alone dropping from a 2008 average of 16,000 to 12,000 baht.
The company formerly known as Philips of Holland, now called China Electronics Corp (CEC) of Shenzhen,vowed to make a comeback in the Thailand yuppiephone market and get into the world Top 5 again by 2014; Philip Lee, who handles overseas affairs for CEC subsidiary Shenzhen Sang Fei Con-sumer Communications, predicted confidently he would double sales in Thailand and globally this year, selling six million phones in total; Philips sold the phone business to the Chinese firm in 2007.
Entertainment giant GMM Grammy signed a deal with Chunghwa Telecom of Taiwan to provide Thai and other Asian workers to download music from the Internet trough their phones; managing director Surachai Sensri of GMM International was so devastated by all that homesickness by the 350,000 immigrant workers in Taiwan that he decided to cash in on it with music from the homeland; the exclusive deal allows Grammy to provide a "buffet service"of continuous music for the equivalent of 52 baht a month, and Grammy also expects to get streaming rights to Vietnamese and Philippines music for the service.
Thailand crunched the numbers on a single production base for the electrical and electronics industry in Southeast Asia - and gave a big smile; eliminating all import tariffs and facilitating trade with the Asean Free Trade Area (Afta)will give a big boost to the Thai industry;Charuek Hengrasmee, president of the Electrical and Electronics Institute, and Katiya Greigarn, chairman of the Electrical, Electronics Industry Club at the Federation of Thai Industries, noted the currently strong position of Thailand in the making of hard drives and electrical appliances - air conditioners,refrigerators and microwaves, say and figured that in international eyes,Thailand will be "the manufacturing centre of the region."
Monday, October 12, 2009
Guy Ritchie says he still loves "retarded" Madonna
Call it delayed reaction.A year after Madonna called him "emotionally retarded", former husband Guy Ritchie said in an Esquire interview that hit the Web on Wednesday that he still loves her, but that she is "retarded" herself.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
TAIWANESE POP STAR A-MEI GOES BACK TO HER ROOTS
It is the worst kept secret in Chinese pop. Newcome Guililai Amit is none other than Taiwanese singer A-mei.
The album title "Amit" already gives the game away as it also stands for A-mei-"Music is transformed".
No matter, recording the new album under her Puyuma tribal name seems to have fried up the 37-year-old singer, and fans have taken to the slightly more adventurous offerings. Tracks such as alter Ego"and"After the Sentimental Love of Animals" have topped Radoo 100.3's singles chart.
Controversy over a risque music video from the album for "Black Eat Black", which featured masochistc amd sexual themes, does not seem to have hurt either.
Since her debut in 1996 with the massive hit album "Sisters", the rhrid youngest child in a family of nine has had more than her fair share of highs and lows.
She was banned from performing in China for two years after singing at former president Chen Shui-bain's inauguration ceremony i n 2000, graced the over of Newsweek in 2001, had a disappointing album in "Maybe Tomorrow" (2004) and then bounced back with "I Want Happiness!?" in 2006.
This year was looking hgood for her, afte a well-received new album as well as relationship with basketballer He Shoucheng. Then tragedy struck: she lost her uncle and grother-in-law when Typhoon MOrakot hit Taiwan in August.
Nothing can keep her down, though. She spoke to the Straits Times by phone from Tiapei recently.
Is it true that you are a fan of former F1 champion Michael Schumacher?
It takes a high level ofskill and quick relfexes to take part in an F1 race and every racer is amazing.
I'm envious. I love to drive but I can't drive that fast so I love the thrill of watching them race.
How eid you approach the recording of "Amit"?
Everything from the songs to the themes to the visuals was conceived as a totality. It was not meant to be different for the sake of being different.
I didn't want Amit to come with too much baggage, that she should sing or not sing certain kinds of music. Whether picking the songs or recording in the studio, I needed to discard what was associated with A-mei and my usual style of expression.
Were you worried that you fans would not be able to accpet this change?
People have already associated A-mei with a certain style of music and have not been able to accept something new.
I thought that using a different persona would overcome that. But if you worry about album sales, then you might as well not make albums anymore.
How did your family react to the risque video?
I prepared them for it beforehand. They know that I have very strict demands of my music Whatever I wish to do or express, I want it to be conveyed 100 per cent and they were supportive of me.
What can we expect from Amit in future?
I think the starting point for each Amit album will be a diffeent theme. Maybe the next one could be vry folkish and easy-going or it could be an A-mei release, a very mainstream pop album with either dance tracks or love ballads.
Music is about being led by my emotions and expressing what I want to express.
Complete this sentence: If I could live my life all over again.
I think I would make the same choices but live with greater passion. Looking ahead, I hope that I'll continue to be as passionate about music and performing on stage.
The album title "Amit" already gives the game away as it also stands for A-mei-"Music is transformed".
No matter, recording the new album under her Puyuma tribal name seems to have fried up the 37-year-old singer, and fans have taken to the slightly more adventurous offerings. Tracks such as alter Ego"and"After the Sentimental Love of Animals" have topped Radoo 100.3's singles chart.
Controversy over a risque music video from the album for "Black Eat Black", which featured masochistc amd sexual themes, does not seem to have hurt either.
Since her debut in 1996 with the massive hit album "Sisters", the rhrid youngest child in a family of nine has had more than her fair share of highs and lows.
She was banned from performing in China for two years after singing at former president Chen Shui-bain's inauguration ceremony i n 2000, graced the over of Newsweek in 2001, had a disappointing album in "Maybe Tomorrow" (2004) and then bounced back with "I Want Happiness!?" in 2006.
This year was looking hgood for her, afte a well-received new album as well as relationship with basketballer He Shoucheng. Then tragedy struck: she lost her uncle and grother-in-law when Typhoon MOrakot hit Taiwan in August.
Nothing can keep her down, though. She spoke to the Straits Times by phone from Tiapei recently.
Is it true that you are a fan of former F1 champion Michael Schumacher?
It takes a high level ofskill and quick relfexes to take part in an F1 race and every racer is amazing.
I'm envious. I love to drive but I can't drive that fast so I love the thrill of watching them race.
How eid you approach the recording of "Amit"?
Everything from the songs to the themes to the visuals was conceived as a totality. It was not meant to be different for the sake of being different.
I didn't want Amit to come with too much baggage, that she should sing or not sing certain kinds of music. Whether picking the songs or recording in the studio, I needed to discard what was associated with A-mei and my usual style of expression.
Were you worried that you fans would not be able to accpet this change?
People have already associated A-mei with a certain style of music and have not been able to accept something new.
I thought that using a different persona would overcome that. But if you worry about album sales, then you might as well not make albums anymore.
How did your family react to the risque video?
I prepared them for it beforehand. They know that I have very strict demands of my music Whatever I wish to do or express, I want it to be conveyed 100 per cent and they were supportive of me.
What can we expect from Amit in future?
I think the starting point for each Amit album will be a diffeent theme. Maybe the next one could be vry folkish and easy-going or it could be an A-mei release, a very mainstream pop album with either dance tracks or love ballads.
Music is about being led by my emotions and expressing what I want to express.
Complete this sentence: If I could live my life all over again.
I think I would make the same choices but live with greater passion. Looking ahead, I hope that I'll continue to be as passionate about music and performing on stage.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Looking for "Easy Love"?
Masters of the remix - if not spelling - MSTRKRFT will flail the Fist of God tonight on the Royal City Avenue
Canadian electronic duo MSTRKRFT debuts in Bangkok tonight with music like you've never heard before.
Jesse Keeler and Al-P are the terrible spellers behind the tune unit pronounced "Mastercraft". They met as punks in 1997 and together goosed up studio recordings for Black Cat #13, Femme Fatale and Death from Above.
Their own first LP, "The Look", came out in 2006, featuring hits like "Easy Love" and "Work on You" and several remixes of tunes from other bands.
We pried the headphones off Al-P long enough for a chat in advance of tonight's gig on RCA.
What's in the backpack?
We're finishing up the tour cycle of our just-released album "Fist of God", playing Australia, Japan, South Korea and of course Thailand.
We're also preparing for our next album when we get back home to Toronto.
So it's true - there's music in Canada.
Canada actually has quite a few internationally successful acts right now, as we're seeing on our Australian tour. Besides us, there's DJ A-Trak from Montreal, who was a DJ for Kanye West.
The funny thing about Canada, and Toronto specifically, is that you never get big at home first. You have to become successful outside of Canada, and then people at home will notice you.
What's your favourite remix?
Recently it's the mix we did for Usher, which was - much to our disappointment - never officially released, because it contained elements of Eric Clapton's "Layla". But I think any music connoisseur would agree that our usage was clever, insightful and tasteful.
That's more than I can say for most of the sample-based music being released today. It's quite frustrating for us in that we've never dared use any samples, out of respect for the original artists, and out of respect for ourselves and our dying craft.
How did you get John Legend singing on "Heartbreaker"?
We'd done a remix for his "Green Light" that he actually liked, and he told us so personally. That rarely happens when we remix an artist, let alone an artist of John's calibre.
Instead of paying for that mix, we agreed that John would do vocals on our album. He liked the "Heartbreaker" instrumental, and he liked the lyrics that Nick [from Space Cowboy] wrote for it, so we ended up in the studio in New York City with him for two days.
Canadian electronic duo MSTRKRFT debuts in Bangkok tonight with music like you've never heard before.
Jesse Keeler and Al-P are the terrible spellers behind the tune unit pronounced "Mastercraft". They met as punks in 1997 and together goosed up studio recordings for Black Cat #13, Femme Fatale and Death from Above.
Their own first LP, "The Look", came out in 2006, featuring hits like "Easy Love" and "Work on You" and several remixes of tunes from other bands.
We pried the headphones off Al-P long enough for a chat in advance of tonight's gig on RCA.
What's in the backpack?
We're finishing up the tour cycle of our just-released album "Fist of God", playing Australia, Japan, South Korea and of course Thailand.
We're also preparing for our next album when we get back home to Toronto.
So it's true - there's music in Canada.
Canada actually has quite a few internationally successful acts right now, as we're seeing on our Australian tour. Besides us, there's DJ A-Trak from Montreal, who was a DJ for Kanye West.
The funny thing about Canada, and Toronto specifically, is that you never get big at home first. You have to become successful outside of Canada, and then people at home will notice you.
What's your favourite remix?
Recently it's the mix we did for Usher, which was - much to our disappointment - never officially released, because it contained elements of Eric Clapton's "Layla". But I think any music connoisseur would agree that our usage was clever, insightful and tasteful.
That's more than I can say for most of the sample-based music being released today. It's quite frustrating for us in that we've never dared use any samples, out of respect for the original artists, and out of respect for ourselves and our dying craft.
How did you get John Legend singing on "Heartbreaker"?
We'd done a remix for his "Green Light" that he actually liked, and he told us so personally. That rarely happens when we remix an artist, let alone an artist of John's calibre.
Instead of paying for that mix, we agreed that John would do vocals on our album. He liked the "Heartbreaker" instrumental, and he liked the lyrics that Nick [from Space Cowboy] wrote for it, so we ended up in the studio in New York City with him for two days.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Juanes holds "peace" concert in Havana
Hundreds of thousands of people filled Havana's Revolution Square for a "peace" concert on Sunday in which Colombian singer Juanes and other musicians sought to bridge the political divide that has separated Cubans for 50 years.
The concert was shown live on international television, including to viewers in Miami, the heart of the Cuban exile community and centre of opposition to Cuba's communist-led government.
A small group of exiles, who say Mr Juanes legitimised a government that denies its people basic human rights,staged a protest in Miami's Little Havana against the concert.
Mr Juanes organised his "Peace Without Borders" concert in conjunction with the Cuban government. He had insisted the show was not political, but raised eyebrows at the end of the concert when he shouted "one Cuban family" for Cuban unity and "Cuba libre", words that have been a rallying cry in the exile community for years.
The concert was shown live on international television, including to viewers in Miami, the heart of the Cuban exile community and centre of opposition to Cuba's communist-led government.
A small group of exiles, who say Mr Juanes legitimised a government that denies its people basic human rights,staged a protest in Miami's Little Havana against the concert.
Mr Juanes organised his "Peace Without Borders" concert in conjunction with the Cuban government. He had insisted the show was not political, but raised eyebrows at the end of the concert when he shouted "one Cuban family" for Cuban unity and "Cuba libre", words that have been a rallying cry in the exile community for years.
iMusic targets B60m sales
Fledgling music business iMusic Intelligence Melody plans to spend 15 million baht to launch itself locally in a bid to generate 60 million in sales next year.
The firm, which was established last January with registered capital of 2 million baht, plans to list on the Market for Alternative Investment by 2014, said CEO Pawadol Kliewakradet.
Content provider IM2 Co has a 70%stake in the firm with the remaining 30% held by individuals.
iMusic sees high growth potential in local digital music downloads, he said.
"We have strength as our major shareholder is a content provider. We believe our innovative product -4 Smart Convergence (All-in-one CD), which consists of audio files and other data such as MP3s, music videos and wallpaper, will attract customers, particularly teenagers," he said.
The company this year has set a gross margin target of about 15%.
Its "Real Time Monitoring System"targets composers, artists and producers,allowing them to monitor sales online.
The increasing threat from piracy has prompted major players such as GMM Grammy and RS to focus on the digital music segment.
The total digital music market is estimated at about 55 billion baht, he said.Grammy is the market leader with a 56% share, followed by RS with 26%.
iMusic said its all-in-one CD will be priced at 99 baht. Affordability will be a a key driver of future growth, he said.
"I strongly believe that it [the product]is value for money and meets customer needs as well. We also have quality artists and celebrities to join with our company,"he said.
One of iMusic's first two artists is MR Mannarumas Yukol, niece of the famous film director M.C. Chatreechalerm Yukol.
The firm expects digital content to account for 40% or revenue, management fees 35% and all-in-one CDs 25%.
4-smart convergence will grow to 50%of revenue in the future, said Roongroj Tochanchai, managing director of iMusic.
The company plans to launch two albums this year and at least seven next year.
CDs will be available from music stores and B2S stores. iMusic will also collaborate with mobile phone giants AIS,DTAC and True. Downloads will be available from www.imusic.co.th.
The firm, which was established last January with registered capital of 2 million baht, plans to list on the Market for Alternative Investment by 2014, said CEO Pawadol Kliewakradet.
Content provider IM2 Co has a 70%stake in the firm with the remaining 30% held by individuals.
iMusic sees high growth potential in local digital music downloads, he said.
"We have strength as our major shareholder is a content provider. We believe our innovative product -4 Smart Convergence (All-in-one CD), which consists of audio files and other data such as MP3s, music videos and wallpaper, will attract customers, particularly teenagers," he said.
The company this year has set a gross margin target of about 15%.
Its "Real Time Monitoring System"targets composers, artists and producers,allowing them to monitor sales online.
The increasing threat from piracy has prompted major players such as GMM Grammy and RS to focus on the digital music segment.
The total digital music market is estimated at about 55 billion baht, he said.Grammy is the market leader with a 56% share, followed by RS with 26%.
iMusic said its all-in-one CD will be priced at 99 baht. Affordability will be a a key driver of future growth, he said.
"I strongly believe that it [the product]is value for money and meets customer needs as well. We also have quality artists and celebrities to join with our company,"he said.
One of iMusic's first two artists is MR Mannarumas Yukol, niece of the famous film director M.C. Chatreechalerm Yukol.
The firm expects digital content to account for 40% or revenue, management fees 35% and all-in-one CDs 25%.
4-smart convergence will grow to 50%of revenue in the future, said Roongroj Tochanchai, managing director of iMusic.
The company plans to launch two albums this year and at least seven next year.
CDs will be available from music stores and B2S stores. iMusic will also collaborate with mobile phone giants AIS,DTAC and True. Downloads will be available from www.imusic.co.th.
iMusic turns to digital albums
Set to tap the growing popularity of digital content, iMusic yesterday introduced itself as a provider of digital music.
"We expect to launch our first two albums this year and seven next year," CEO Pawadol Kliewakradet said.
The company expects to achieve sales of Bt60 million next year and more than Bt100 million in five years, when it plans to list on the stock exchange.
The company yesterday unveiled its stable of singers - mannaruemas Yukol, Alex Rendell, Keerati "Gypsy" Mahaprukpong and Haward Wang.
"We have created an online real-time monitoring system to show all returns to our artists, music composers and producers in real time," Pawadol said.
"We have also launched an all-in-one CD called 'Four Smart Convergence' featuring various audio files and data, including MP3, Fullsong, Truetone, MV, and wallpaper, in one disc.
"The files can be played on DVD and CD players, car audios, computers and mobile telephones," he said.
The disc will be available at a price of Bt99.
The music industry in Asia is worth about Bt36 billion, of which Bt10 billion is in Thailand, he said.
The music industry is growing by 10-15 per cent per year, he added.
"We expect to launch our first two albums this year and seven next year," CEO Pawadol Kliewakradet said.
The company expects to achieve sales of Bt60 million next year and more than Bt100 million in five years, when it plans to list on the stock exchange.
The company yesterday unveiled its stable of singers - mannaruemas Yukol, Alex Rendell, Keerati "Gypsy" Mahaprukpong and Haward Wang.
"We have created an online real-time monitoring system to show all returns to our artists, music composers and producers in real time," Pawadol said.
"We have also launched an all-in-one CD called 'Four Smart Convergence' featuring various audio files and data, including MP3, Fullsong, Truetone, MV, and wallpaper, in one disc.
"The files can be played on DVD and CD players, car audios, computers and mobile telephones," he said.
The disc will be available at a price of Bt99.
The music industry in Asia is worth about Bt36 billion, of which Bt10 billion is in Thailand, he said.
The music industry is growing by 10-15 per cent per year, he added.
FOREMOST IN FADO
Mariza, the world's leading exponent of the singing style called fado, returns to Bangkok once more for an October 8 show at the Thailand Cultural Centre, presented by the Portuguese Embassy.
Born Marisa dos Reis Nunes to a Portuguese father and African mother in Mozambique, when it was still Portuguese East Africa, Mariza describes fado as urban Portuguese blues, accompanied by the country's indigenous, sweet-sounding, 12-string guitar.
It's widely believed that the Portuguese royal court brought fado with it when it returned in the mid-19th century from a decade's exile in Brazil.
The lyrics embrace saudade (loosely translated as "nostalgia") and its nuances - longing, happiness, sadness, love and pain.
All of Mariza's albums, from "Fado em Mim" in 2001 through "Fado Curvo" and "Transparente" to "Concerto Em Lisboa" in 2006, earned platinum status.
Her latest, last year's "Terre", featured Dominic Miller, the British guitarist for Sting (with whom Mariza dueted at the opening of the Athens Olympics in 2004), and Spanish flamenco singer Concha Buika, who joined Mariza on "Pequenas Verdades".
Born Marisa dos Reis Nunes to a Portuguese father and African mother in Mozambique, when it was still Portuguese East Africa, Mariza describes fado as urban Portuguese blues, accompanied by the country's indigenous, sweet-sounding, 12-string guitar.
It's widely believed that the Portuguese royal court brought fado with it when it returned in the mid-19th century from a decade's exile in Brazil.
The lyrics embrace saudade (loosely translated as "nostalgia") and its nuances - longing, happiness, sadness, love and pain.
All of Mariza's albums, from "Fado em Mim" in 2001 through "Fado Curvo" and "Transparente" to "Concerto Em Lisboa" in 2006, earned platinum status.
Her latest, last year's "Terre", featured Dominic Miller, the British guitarist for Sting (with whom Mariza dueted at the opening of the Athens Olympics in 2004), and Spanish flamenco singer Concha Buika, who joined Mariza on "Pequenas Verdades".
ROLLING WITH THE BEETS
Holland's Beets Brothers Quartet and Switzerland's Starch will fire up some European jazz for Bangkok next week
After rousing visits from American jazz artists Benny Golson and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Bangkok isn't about to let the groove slide. The Beets Brothers Quartet from the Netherlands will keep that rhythm flowing on October 1 as part of Bangkok's 11th International Festival of Dance and Music.
Appearing with the Beets at the Thailand Cultural Centre will be Starch, a Swiss outfit that blends funk, rock, jazz and hip-hop.
A drummer friend squares off the quartet, but the Beets Brothers - Marius, Alexander and Peter Beets - are the sons of a jazz-minded gynaecologist father and a classical-pianist mother.
From an early they underwent stern tutelage in classical music, training an hour a day, six days a week. Their father managed to inject some jazz into the proceedings.
The boys' initial objections to the tough regime soon yielded to the fun of playing together, and the Beets Brothers were born.
At first their stage was the family living room, which was quickly stocked with all sorts of instruments. Next came school concerts and performances on the local radio station, and then invitations to play at festivals and in competitions - which they regularly won.
The boys were already performing on a regular basis throughout their homeland and in Germany by the time Marius and Peter enrolled in the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. Both graduated with honours.
While sticking to mainstream jazz, the brothers created their own easily recognisable sound - a pronounced "tone-picture" superimposed on swinging rhythmic patterns. That, mixed with blistering energy, makes them a treat for the ears.
It's not so easy describing Starch.
The seven-member band's fusion of so many genres has been called "euphoric, crazy and full of artistic fantasy".
Founded as a funk crew, their music absorbed rock and jazz and later hip-hop. Simon P Winiger and Chris Raxx lead the band into innovative territory that's posted with signs saying things like "indie funk", "crazy cosmopolitan rap" and "dizzy energetic rock".
What do they call the sound? "Starch music!"
In their decade of performing, Starch have played the Montreux Jazz Festival and toured Europe. This year has seen their first venture outside Europe, a sweep through Australia and Asia.
The Bangkok audience will hear nine songs from their latest album, "Music", and their last, "Freak City".
Book seats at www.ThaiTicketMajor.com or (02) 262 3456. The International Festival of Dance and Music continues through October 17. See the details at www.BangkokFestivals.com.
Foremost in fado
Mariza, the world's leading exponent of the singing style called fado, returns to Bangkok once more for an October 8 show at the Thailand Cultural Centre, presented by the Portuguese Embassy.
Born Marisa dos Reis Nunes to a Portuguese father and African mother in Mozambique, when it was still Portuguese East Africa, Mariza describes fado as urban Portuguese blues, accompanied by the country's indigenous, sweet-sounding, 12-string guitar.
It's widely believed that the Portuguese royal court brought fado with it when it returned in the mid-19th century from a decade's exile in Brazil.
The lyrics embrace saudade (loosely translated as "nostalgia") and its nuances - longing, happiness, sadness, love and pain.
All of Mariza's albums, from "Fado em Mim" in 2001 through "Fado Curvo" and "Transparente" to "Concerto Em Lisboa" in 2006, earned platinum status.
Her latest, last year's "Terre", featured Dominic Miller, the British guitarist for Sting (with whom Mariza dueted at the opening of the Athens Olympics in 2004), and Spanish flamenco singer Concha Buika, who joined Mariza on "Pequenas Verdades".
After rousing visits from American jazz artists Benny Golson and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Bangkok isn't about to let the groove slide. The Beets Brothers Quartet from the Netherlands will keep that rhythm flowing on October 1 as part of Bangkok's 11th International Festival of Dance and Music.
Appearing with the Beets at the Thailand Cultural Centre will be Starch, a Swiss outfit that blends funk, rock, jazz and hip-hop.
A drummer friend squares off the quartet, but the Beets Brothers - Marius, Alexander and Peter Beets - are the sons of a jazz-minded gynaecologist father and a classical-pianist mother.
From an early they underwent stern tutelage in classical music, training an hour a day, six days a week. Their father managed to inject some jazz into the proceedings.
The boys' initial objections to the tough regime soon yielded to the fun of playing together, and the Beets Brothers were born.
At first their stage was the family living room, which was quickly stocked with all sorts of instruments. Next came school concerts and performances on the local radio station, and then invitations to play at festivals and in competitions - which they regularly won.
The boys were already performing on a regular basis throughout their homeland and in Germany by the time Marius and Peter enrolled in the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. Both graduated with honours.
While sticking to mainstream jazz, the brothers created their own easily recognisable sound - a pronounced "tone-picture" superimposed on swinging rhythmic patterns. That, mixed with blistering energy, makes them a treat for the ears.
It's not so easy describing Starch.
The seven-member band's fusion of so many genres has been called "euphoric, crazy and full of artistic fantasy".
Founded as a funk crew, their music absorbed rock and jazz and later hip-hop. Simon P Winiger and Chris Raxx lead the band into innovative territory that's posted with signs saying things like "indie funk", "crazy cosmopolitan rap" and "dizzy energetic rock".
What do they call the sound? "Starch music!"
In their decade of performing, Starch have played the Montreux Jazz Festival and toured Europe. This year has seen their first venture outside Europe, a sweep through Australia and Asia.
The Bangkok audience will hear nine songs from their latest album, "Music", and their last, "Freak City".
Book seats at www.ThaiTicketMajor.com or (02) 262 3456. The International Festival of Dance and Music continues through October 17. See the details at www.BangkokFestivals.com.
Foremost in fado
Mariza, the world's leading exponent of the singing style called fado, returns to Bangkok once more for an October 8 show at the Thailand Cultural Centre, presented by the Portuguese Embassy.
Born Marisa dos Reis Nunes to a Portuguese father and African mother in Mozambique, when it was still Portuguese East Africa, Mariza describes fado as urban Portuguese blues, accompanied by the country's indigenous, sweet-sounding, 12-string guitar.
It's widely believed that the Portuguese royal court brought fado with it when it returned in the mid-19th century from a decade's exile in Brazil.
The lyrics embrace saudade (loosely translated as "nostalgia") and its nuances - longing, happiness, sadness, love and pain.
All of Mariza's albums, from "Fado em Mim" in 2001 through "Fado Curvo" and "Transparente" to "Concerto Em Lisboa" in 2006, earned platinum status.
Her latest, last year's "Terre", featured Dominic Miller, the British guitarist for Sting (with whom Mariza dueted at the opening of the Athens Olympics in 2004), and Spanish flamenco singer Concha Buika, who joined Mariza on "Pequenas Verdades".
Monday, September 21, 2009
OPENING NIGHT
The height of the annual cultural calendar is here again with the inauguration of Bangkok's 11th International Festival of Dance & Music at the Thailand Cultural Centre.
HM the Queen is welcomed on arrival for the opening of Bangkok’s 11th International Festival of Dance & Music by, from left, JS Uberoi, Vichai Raksriaksorn, Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan and Rapeepan Luangaramrut.
The festival kicked off with La Traviata by the Ekaterinburg Opera Theatre, Russia, conducted by Mikhail Granovsky from the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
It was a full house, with guests turning up in evening gowns for the gala event graced by Her Majesty the Queen. A cocktail reception was held prior to the opera in the Small Auditorium, and corporate sponsors mingled with guests - diplomats, socialites as well as cultural glitterati - to discuss the upcoming programmes of their choice for this month-long event.
It was also an opportunity to enjoy a few canapes to stifle the hunger pangs for the duration of the opera.
Then it was time to move to the main auditorium to await the arrival of HM the Queen.
Opera buffs were there in force to enjoy the first of three operas of the festival, including Tosca and Madame Butterfly. The festival continues until October 17 with a variety of performing arts showcases in every genre.
Prof Dr Apinan Poshyananda, Russian Ambassador Evegeny Afanasieva and his wife, Olga, and Chaweerat Kasetsoontorn.
Vapee and Thanpuying MR Muanchit Bhirombhakdi.
Indian Ambassador Latha Reddy with Rasina and Sunny Bajaj.
Dr Suvit and Khunying Songsuda Yodmani.
Egasith Chotpakdetrakul, Chavarat Charnvirakul, Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan and Korn Dabbaransi.
Nitya and Patricia Pibulsonggram.
Sririta Jensen.
Harald Link.
Martina and Michael Kordys with Damira and JS Uberoi.
Elizabeth and Peter Romhild with Damira Uberoi.
HM the Queen is welcomed on arrival for the opening of Bangkok’s 11th International Festival of Dance & Music by, from left, JS Uberoi, Vichai Raksriaksorn, Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan and Rapeepan Luangaramrut.
The festival kicked off with La Traviata by the Ekaterinburg Opera Theatre, Russia, conducted by Mikhail Granovsky from the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow.
It was a full house, with guests turning up in evening gowns for the gala event graced by Her Majesty the Queen. A cocktail reception was held prior to the opera in the Small Auditorium, and corporate sponsors mingled with guests - diplomats, socialites as well as cultural glitterati - to discuss the upcoming programmes of their choice for this month-long event.
It was also an opportunity to enjoy a few canapes to stifle the hunger pangs for the duration of the opera.
Then it was time to move to the main auditorium to await the arrival of HM the Queen.
Opera buffs were there in force to enjoy the first of three operas of the festival, including Tosca and Madame Butterfly. The festival continues until October 17 with a variety of performing arts showcases in every genre.
Prof Dr Apinan Poshyananda, Russian Ambassador Evegeny Afanasieva and his wife, Olga, and Chaweerat Kasetsoontorn.
Vapee and Thanpuying MR Muanchit Bhirombhakdi.
Indian Ambassador Latha Reddy with Rasina and Sunny Bajaj.
Dr Suvit and Khunying Songsuda Yodmani.
Egasith Chotpakdetrakul, Chavarat Charnvirakul, Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan and Korn Dabbaransi.
Nitya and Patricia Pibulsonggram.
Sririta Jensen.
Harald Link.
Martina and Michael Kordys with Damira and JS Uberoi.
Elizabeth and Peter Romhild with Damira Uberoi.
THE SOUND OF LONDON: DESIGNERS' FAVOURITE RUNWAY TUNES
Walking on a Dream , by Empire of the Sun.House of Holland:I Wanna Be a Supermodel , by Letters to Cleo.Vivienne Westwood Red Label:I've Seen Enough , by Cold War Kids;Cities Burning Down (Naum Gabo remix), by Howling Bells.Luella:Happy When It Rains , by the Jesus and Mary Chain;Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others , by the Smiths.Osman Yousefzada:Love Song , by the Cure;Standing On The Shore , by Empire of the Sun.Christopher Kane:Natural Born Killers , original soundtrack.Jonathan Saunders:Small Town City , by WhoMadeWho;William's Blood (Aeroplane remix), by Grace Jones.Peter Jensen:M79 , by Vampire Weekend;The Blue Wrath , by I Monster.Roksanda Ilincic:Obsessions , by Marina and the Diamonds;Computer Love , by Glass Candy.
Fresh stars try on a new title for "VH1 Divas"
A diva doesn't bow out gracefully, or quietly, which is why Paula Abdul, weeks after detaching herself from American Idol , found herself on a stage in Brooklyn, holding a series of microphones in the general area of her face,lip-synching a four-song medley of her 20-year-old hits.
It took gumption to do that, knowing full well that everyone who was to take the stage in the next two hours would be a vocal titan.(Well, almost everyone.)But above all, a diva makes a scene.
And while there was tremendous talent at this year's incarnation of VH1 Divas ,last Thursday night at the Howard Gilman Opera House of the Brooklyn Academy of Music and hosted by a loopy, manic Abdul, there wasn't much to see.
In prerecorded segments of the show,which was broadcast live on the VH1 network, each of the night's stars Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus,Jennifer Hudson, Leona Lewis and Jordin Sparks - politely distanced herself from the diva stigma.(Well, almost everyone.)
But really, the word was unattainable,unless it now means "female singers who weren't otherwise occupied or stratospherically famous". Previous iterations of this concert, a franchise that had been abandoned in 2004, featured Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey,Celine Dion and Tina Turner, among others.
But Thursday night's diminished star power turned out to be an asset - there was no anticipation of petulance or disruption, just electric singing. Lewis delivered a stirring True Colors in a duet with Cyndi Lauper, her swoops a balance to Lauper's scrapes. Clarkson's Already Gone was winningly bitter. Sparks was joined by the country star Martina McBride for A Broken Wing , on which McBride was devastating.(An idea for next year:Country Divas , with McBride,Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert,Taylor Swift and several contrition interludes by Kanye West.)
Jennifer Hudson, one of four products of the Simon Cowell machine on the bill - along with Clarkson and Sparks, who both won American Idol , and Lewis, win-ner of the UK's X Factor - impressed the most.
Spotlight , from Hudson's 2008 selftitled debut album, was epic in a way the blithe recorded version never approached. And her duet with Stevie Wonder on All in Love is Fair was hefty - he in the full velvet of his voice, and she shamelessly jumping to the big notes.
Cyrus, the night's biggest draw, based on audience screams, was the exception to all rules here. The least gifted singer - on her duet with Sheryl Crow, she wrestled with the melody of If it Makes You Happy , only sometimes winning and the only one to see the "diva" tag as an opportunity, not a burden."I feel like I'm going to start bossing people around today," she said, joking during her taped intro.
But she had nothing on Abdul, who's been bossing people around for years,or at least guiding them irrationally. This month it was announced that Abdul's seat on American Idol would be filled by the affable, anodyne talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. DeGeneres will probably also take Abdul's place as the show's nurturer.(DeGeneres was the host of VH1 Divas in 2002; she won this trade.)
How's Abdul taking the news? Noisily.She fired off a few awkward Idol barbs on Thursday, but mid-show she displayed a brief flash of genius. After a commercial break, to the sounds of Pink's Get This Party Started , she appeared in one of the aisles dressed as DeGeneres - black suit and trainers, blonde wig - and mocking the signature dance moves DeGeneres does on each episode of her talk show.
If Abdul possesses a sort of intelligence,it is this - a gift for the kinesthetic. The mocking was brutal because it was so accurate, just a tweak of the awkward,tight shuffle invented by DeGeneres as a relatable anti-dance.
For Abdul, a better dancer and choreographer than singer orrealitycompetition judge, it must have been tough to move so stiffly.
After bopping her way to the stage,she tossed herself into a chair and mused,"Can't a girl try out a new job?" So long as it comes with the old attitude, no problem.AP
ON THEIR BEST BEHAVIOUR: Left to right, Miley Cyrus, Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks, Paula Abdul, Jennifer Hudson, Adele and Leona Lewis close the "VH1 Divas" show in New York.
It took gumption to do that, knowing full well that everyone who was to take the stage in the next two hours would be a vocal titan.(Well, almost everyone.)But above all, a diva makes a scene.
And while there was tremendous talent at this year's incarnation of VH1 Divas ,last Thursday night at the Howard Gilman Opera House of the Brooklyn Academy of Music and hosted by a loopy, manic Abdul, there wasn't much to see.
In prerecorded segments of the show,which was broadcast live on the VH1 network, each of the night's stars Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus,Jennifer Hudson, Leona Lewis and Jordin Sparks - politely distanced herself from the diva stigma.(Well, almost everyone.)
But really, the word was unattainable,unless it now means "female singers who weren't otherwise occupied or stratospherically famous". Previous iterations of this concert, a franchise that had been abandoned in 2004, featured Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey,Celine Dion and Tina Turner, among others.
But Thursday night's diminished star power turned out to be an asset - there was no anticipation of petulance or disruption, just electric singing. Lewis delivered a stirring True Colors in a duet with Cyndi Lauper, her swoops a balance to Lauper's scrapes. Clarkson's Already Gone was winningly bitter. Sparks was joined by the country star Martina McBride for A Broken Wing , on which McBride was devastating.(An idea for next year:Country Divas , with McBride,Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert,Taylor Swift and several contrition interludes by Kanye West.)
Jennifer Hudson, one of four products of the Simon Cowell machine on the bill - along with Clarkson and Sparks, who both won American Idol , and Lewis, win-ner of the UK's X Factor - impressed the most.
Spotlight , from Hudson's 2008 selftitled debut album, was epic in a way the blithe recorded version never approached. And her duet with Stevie Wonder on All in Love is Fair was hefty - he in the full velvet of his voice, and she shamelessly jumping to the big notes.
Cyrus, the night's biggest draw, based on audience screams, was the exception to all rules here. The least gifted singer - on her duet with Sheryl Crow, she wrestled with the melody of If it Makes You Happy , only sometimes winning and the only one to see the "diva" tag as an opportunity, not a burden."I feel like I'm going to start bossing people around today," she said, joking during her taped intro.
But she had nothing on Abdul, who's been bossing people around for years,or at least guiding them irrationally. This month it was announced that Abdul's seat on American Idol would be filled by the affable, anodyne talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. DeGeneres will probably also take Abdul's place as the show's nurturer.(DeGeneres was the host of VH1 Divas in 2002; she won this trade.)
How's Abdul taking the news? Noisily.She fired off a few awkward Idol barbs on Thursday, but mid-show she displayed a brief flash of genius. After a commercial break, to the sounds of Pink's Get This Party Started , she appeared in one of the aisles dressed as DeGeneres - black suit and trainers, blonde wig - and mocking the signature dance moves DeGeneres does on each episode of her talk show.
If Abdul possesses a sort of intelligence,it is this - a gift for the kinesthetic. The mocking was brutal because it was so accurate, just a tweak of the awkward,tight shuffle invented by DeGeneres as a relatable anti-dance.
For Abdul, a better dancer and choreographer than singer orrealitycompetition judge, it must have been tough to move so stiffly.
After bopping her way to the stage,she tossed herself into a chair and mused,"Can't a girl try out a new job?" So long as it comes with the old attitude, no problem.AP
ON THEIR BEST BEHAVIOUR: Left to right, Miley Cyrus, Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks, Paula Abdul, Jennifer Hudson, Adele and Leona Lewis close the "VH1 Divas" show in New York.
Tranced out on techno
Phuket, Thailand's largest island and home to the most famous of the Kingdom's southern beach resorts, has long been building a reputation as a hub for sport and leisure activities. Aside from hosting the King's Cup Regatta each December and the Quick Silver Surf Competition, the island also has its own film festival, fashion week plus annual jazz and food festivals.
Next weekend, Phuket launches the debut edition of the Roy Fest Phuket Music Festival, a new music event featuring more than 50 DJs and musicians from around the globe. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has invested more than Bt22 million to convert Karon Beach into the ultimate beach dance party, with the operative word being roy-what the southerners call "fun" and "delicious".
"Hua Hin and Rayoung have their own music festivals, so why not Phuket?" says Norasate Mudkong, aka DJ Seed, who'll be manning the deeks at the festival.
"Singapore's Zouk Out is an incredibly successful beach dance festival, and our beach is much more beautiful."
"With the current economic situation, it's important that we promote tourism in Southern Thailand," adds Dom Chotivanich, CEO & partner of creative agency NetPublications. "Phuket is a great place to start-it's strikingly picturesque and, because it's already well known, it's easier to attract tourists from all over the world.
"Our role models are Singapore's Zouk Out and England's Brighton Beach Festival, both of which receive massive support from their respective municipal government. That stimulates spending and helps money to circulate.
"Roy Fest actually aims to raise awareness about Phuket, largely by word of mouth from the artists, as we approach the high season."
The two-day bash will feature two groups of international artists, among them DJs Ken Ishii from Japan, Adsorb from England, Lord Warddd from America and Lapsap from Malaysia, and local mashers such as DJ Seed, DJ Dragon, T-Bone, Ta-Mone, Thaitanium, Southside, Doobadoo, Silly Fools and Smile Buffalo.
"I've been really impressed with the Japanese DJs' shows here," says Dom. "DJ Adsorb, who played at Glastonbury, is BBC Radio's rising star. It's not easy for a new organiser like us to bring in any big names, or even a rising star, so we've been really luck."
"DJ Ken Ishii is a world-ranked techno DJ," says DJ Seed, who's the festival's music director. "He once mixed the sound of our kaen [Isaan reed mouth organ] with techno on an album he recorded here. If the Roy Fest is even 60 or 70 per cent successful, I think it can outdo Zouk Out."
Zouk Out starts at 8pm and ends at 8am, while the Roy Fest runs from 6pm to 2am.
"I initially planned to run the festival over the same period as Zouk Out, but I was afraid that the audience would be too exhausted. Based on my own experience in Singapore, we're providing a shuttle bus service so that partygoers can head back and crash when they've had enough.
"We would like everyone to have a good time and enjoy dancing on the beach under the stars and cooled by the sea breezes," says Dom."
And, in keeping with every good Thai festival, partygoers will also find plenty of booths selling foods, beverages and souvenirs.
PACKAGE AND PARTY
Two party packages priced at Bt4,950 and Bt5,250 are available, They include a round-trip ticket on AirAsia and two nights's accommodation. Visit www.RoyFest.com or call (02)503 3878. Karon Beach is on Phuket's west coast, south of Patong and north of Kata.
Phuket has 712 hotels, ranging from Bt200 to Bt 100,000, with 38,000 rooms and 200 spas including 50 inside the hotels. Phuket has five marinas with 135 yachts moored, as of last month.
Next weekend, Phuket launches the debut edition of the Roy Fest Phuket Music Festival, a new music event featuring more than 50 DJs and musicians from around the globe. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has invested more than Bt22 million to convert Karon Beach into the ultimate beach dance party, with the operative word being roy-what the southerners call "fun" and "delicious".
"Hua Hin and Rayoung have their own music festivals, so why not Phuket?" says Norasate Mudkong, aka DJ Seed, who'll be manning the deeks at the festival.
"Singapore's Zouk Out is an incredibly successful beach dance festival, and our beach is much more beautiful."
"With the current economic situation, it's important that we promote tourism in Southern Thailand," adds Dom Chotivanich, CEO & partner of creative agency NetPublications. "Phuket is a great place to start-it's strikingly picturesque and, because it's already well known, it's easier to attract tourists from all over the world.
"Our role models are Singapore's Zouk Out and England's Brighton Beach Festival, both of which receive massive support from their respective municipal government. That stimulates spending and helps money to circulate.
"Roy Fest actually aims to raise awareness about Phuket, largely by word of mouth from the artists, as we approach the high season."
The two-day bash will feature two groups of international artists, among them DJs Ken Ishii from Japan, Adsorb from England, Lord Warddd from America and Lapsap from Malaysia, and local mashers such as DJ Seed, DJ Dragon, T-Bone, Ta-Mone, Thaitanium, Southside, Doobadoo, Silly Fools and Smile Buffalo.
"I've been really impressed with the Japanese DJs' shows here," says Dom. "DJ Adsorb, who played at Glastonbury, is BBC Radio's rising star. It's not easy for a new organiser like us to bring in any big names, or even a rising star, so we've been really luck."
"DJ Ken Ishii is a world-ranked techno DJ," says DJ Seed, who's the festival's music director. "He once mixed the sound of our kaen [Isaan reed mouth organ] with techno on an album he recorded here. If the Roy Fest is even 60 or 70 per cent successful, I think it can outdo Zouk Out."
Zouk Out starts at 8pm and ends at 8am, while the Roy Fest runs from 6pm to 2am.
"I initially planned to run the festival over the same period as Zouk Out, but I was afraid that the audience would be too exhausted. Based on my own experience in Singapore, we're providing a shuttle bus service so that partygoers can head back and crash when they've had enough.
"We would like everyone to have a good time and enjoy dancing on the beach under the stars and cooled by the sea breezes," says Dom."
And, in keeping with every good Thai festival, partygoers will also find plenty of booths selling foods, beverages and souvenirs.
PACKAGE AND PARTY
Two party packages priced at Bt4,950 and Bt5,250 are available, They include a round-trip ticket on AirAsia and two nights's accommodation. Visit www.RoyFest.com or call (02)503 3878. Karon Beach is on Phuket's west coast, south of Patong and north of Kata.
Phuket has 712 hotels, ranging from Bt200 to Bt 100,000, with 38,000 rooms and 200 spas including 50 inside the hotels. Phuket has five marinas with 135 yachts moored, as of last month.
DELICIOUS BEACH DANCE PARTY
Are you ready to "roy "? In southern Thai language,roy means enjoy, fun and delicious - all of which is to be expected at the first "RoyFest Phuket Music Festival" which will take place on Karon Beach, Phuket, on Sept 25-26 from 6pm.Organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the island province,it aims to be the biggest beach dance party in Southeast Asia.
Setthaphan Buddhani, TAT Phuket director said:"Phuket's natural beauty draws tourists from far and wide. We now hope that music power will bring in even more visitors to give them a good time and happy memories. All in all, this music festival will boost tourism and the local economy."
Karon Beach, with its fine white sand is 40 metres wide and 3.5 km long,which, according to Setthaphan, makes for an excellent location for a music festival."It's a charming spot, with the beautiful sea as a backdrop," he said."And we expect thousands of people - tourists and music fans - will join in the fun."
Vudtinun Bhirombhakdi, Boon Rawd Trading's manager for Music and Event Marketing, noted that Karon Beach, unlike bustling Patong, has never been a venue for a big international event. The RoyFest will, however, put Karon on the map as a music festival destination.
The line-up includes popular Thai bands Thaitanium,T-Bone,Ta-mone, OhDoobadoo, Silly Fools, Smile Buffalo and South Side Phuket. Famed DJs spinning out the music include Thailand's DJ Seed and DJ Dragon, Japan's DJ Ken Ishii, The UK's Adsorb and Lord Warddd from the US.
"The festival will get people dancing to reggae, ska, jazz, hip-hop. We didn't want it to offer only one certain type of music, but more of a variety. Silly Fools and Smile Buffalo will also bring Silly Fools.in some rock music to get the party rolling," said Vudtinun.
Smile Buffalo broke up 10 years ago but they are making a comeback on the same stage with Silly Fools for a not-to-be-missed Silly Buffalo act.
Promoting the Thai travel Thai campaign, Vudtinun hopes that Thais from across the country will gather at the two-day music festival to dance the night away.
Admission is free of charge. For more information and special
Hip-hop band Thaitanium.packages, visit www.royfest.com.
Setthaphan Buddhani, TAT Phuket director said:"Phuket's natural beauty draws tourists from far and wide. We now hope that music power will bring in even more visitors to give them a good time and happy memories. All in all, this music festival will boost tourism and the local economy."
Karon Beach, with its fine white sand is 40 metres wide and 3.5 km long,which, according to Setthaphan, makes for an excellent location for a music festival."It's a charming spot, with the beautiful sea as a backdrop," he said."And we expect thousands of people - tourists and music fans - will join in the fun."
Vudtinun Bhirombhakdi, Boon Rawd Trading's manager for Music and Event Marketing, noted that Karon Beach, unlike bustling Patong, has never been a venue for a big international event. The RoyFest will, however, put Karon on the map as a music festival destination.
The line-up includes popular Thai bands Thaitanium,T-Bone,Ta-mone, OhDoobadoo, Silly Fools, Smile Buffalo and South Side Phuket. Famed DJs spinning out the music include Thailand's DJ Seed and DJ Dragon, Japan's DJ Ken Ishii, The UK's Adsorb and Lord Warddd from the US.
"The festival will get people dancing to reggae, ska, jazz, hip-hop. We didn't want it to offer only one certain type of music, but more of a variety. Silly Fools and Smile Buffalo will also bring Silly Fools.in some rock music to get the party rolling," said Vudtinun.
Smile Buffalo broke up 10 years ago but they are making a comeback on the same stage with Silly Fools for a not-to-be-missed Silly Buffalo act.
Promoting the Thai travel Thai campaign, Vudtinun hopes that Thais from across the country will gather at the two-day music festival to dance the night away.
Admission is free of charge. For more information and special
Hip-hop band Thaitanium.packages, visit www.royfest.com.
Celebrating the sunshine
It's amazing how time flies. As you wake up to Bangkok's rain-soaked daylight, there comes the time of the year again: the time that allows all your senses to celebrate an artful and opulent life under the sun.
Held at the state-of-the-art Esplanade Concert Hall, gala concerts are always the most popular happenings at the Singapore Sun Festival.
Originating seven years ago in Tuscany, Italy, before branching out to California's Napa Valley and Singapore, the annually held Sun Festival is recognised worldwide for its rich presentation of arts and lifestyle activities. The festival's universal concept, "The Art of Living Well", is glorified through music, visual arts, film, literature, wine, cuisine and wellness.
To be held for the third time from October 3-12, the Singapore Sun Festival - the only festival of its kind in Asia - has proved to be quite a success, with 30,000 festival goers in 2007 and over 35,000 visitors over its 2008 event. Now aiming to draw in 40,000 audiences from all over Southeast Asia, this year it will present more than a hundred free and ticketed activities with an inspiring line-up of world-famous artists, celebrities and chefs over its 10-day period.
"Although Singapore is a small country in geographical size, it's also a country with a vibrant and deeply rich cultural heritage of its own, which has made it an international mecca for great art in all of its manifestations. And with nearly 200 artists to participate in this year's event, Singapore is poised to host a truly international festival in a unique and compelling way," said Charles Hamlen, chairman of IMG Artists, the event organiser.
Wellness classes conducted by world class gurus are among the festival’s key activities.
The festival is set to kick off on Saturday, October 3,with a gala opening ballet performance by members of Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres. Your sense of hearing will continue to be indulged over the following nights with concerts from Elvis Costello, Al Jarreau, Afro Cuban All Stars and The Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra featuring Jaap van Zweden, Sir James Galway, Conrad Tao, Nina Kotova, Angela Gheorghiu and Marius Manea.
For film and literature fans, there will be a number of movies screened, with a talk with Asian superstars such as Joan Chen. And also forums on writing for screen and stage by Nobel Prize-winning playwright, poet, novelist and critic Wole Soyinka will be held.
The issue of well living cannot be complete without honouring the art of eating. So the topic of wine and cuisine is always a very strong part of the event. Last year saw world famous chefs Charlie Trotter, Luke Mangan and Riccardo Genovesi. And joining the event this year will be Thierry Marx, France's hottest avant-garde, two-Michelin-starred chef; Floyd Cardoz, groundbreaking Indian chef from New York; and Art Smith, America's most famous homestyle chef.
Getting a table at restaurants of these superstar chefs can take months, never mind that you would have to save for the overseas plane ticket, so this is a great opportunity to let your palate be tantalised by their world cherished cuisine right here in Asia.
One of 2009’s highlights, Chef Thierry Marx.
Other than signature dinners, the event also offers a number of cooking classes and wine conducted by these famous chefs. And the Singapore Wine Auction and Gala dinner that benefits the Viva Foundation for Children with Cancer will nicely wrap up the 10-day fest.
To cater to the health-conscious, there are a wide range of health and wellness activities including yoga, Taiji, spa and seminars. This year's highlight hosts include Deepak Chopra, one of the world's greatest leaders in mind body medicine, and Saumik Bera, one of the best yoga teachers in Asia.
With museums and art galleries as its venues, the festival also features a number of art exhibitions including painting workshops, photo contest and the first-ever Paranakans and their jewellery fashion show.
"Even though the concept of this event is all-embracing and quite sweeping in its scope, the fact that there are so many events and world-acclaimed artists available to people of such wide cultural backgrounds and interests makes it particularly appealing to many visitors.
The strength of the festival lies not only in the concept of bringing people together from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds but in the extraordinary quality of the participating artists, coupled with the cooperation and collaboration within the local host community," the organiser, Charles Hamlen, said.
For more information or to book tickets, visit http://www.singaporesunfestival.com or http://www.sistic.com.sg
Held at the state-of-the-art Esplanade Concert Hall, gala concerts are always the most popular happenings at the Singapore Sun Festival.
Originating seven years ago in Tuscany, Italy, before branching out to California's Napa Valley and Singapore, the annually held Sun Festival is recognised worldwide for its rich presentation of arts and lifestyle activities. The festival's universal concept, "The Art of Living Well", is glorified through music, visual arts, film, literature, wine, cuisine and wellness.
To be held for the third time from October 3-12, the Singapore Sun Festival - the only festival of its kind in Asia - has proved to be quite a success, with 30,000 festival goers in 2007 and over 35,000 visitors over its 2008 event. Now aiming to draw in 40,000 audiences from all over Southeast Asia, this year it will present more than a hundred free and ticketed activities with an inspiring line-up of world-famous artists, celebrities and chefs over its 10-day period.
"Although Singapore is a small country in geographical size, it's also a country with a vibrant and deeply rich cultural heritage of its own, which has made it an international mecca for great art in all of its manifestations. And with nearly 200 artists to participate in this year's event, Singapore is poised to host a truly international festival in a unique and compelling way," said Charles Hamlen, chairman of IMG Artists, the event organiser.
Wellness classes conducted by world class gurus are among the festival’s key activities.
The festival is set to kick off on Saturday, October 3,with a gala opening ballet performance by members of Bolshoi and Mariinsky theatres. Your sense of hearing will continue to be indulged over the following nights with concerts from Elvis Costello, Al Jarreau, Afro Cuban All Stars and The Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra featuring Jaap van Zweden, Sir James Galway, Conrad Tao, Nina Kotova, Angela Gheorghiu and Marius Manea.
For film and literature fans, there will be a number of movies screened, with a talk with Asian superstars such as Joan Chen. And also forums on writing for screen and stage by Nobel Prize-winning playwright, poet, novelist and critic Wole Soyinka will be held.
The issue of well living cannot be complete without honouring the art of eating. So the topic of wine and cuisine is always a very strong part of the event. Last year saw world famous chefs Charlie Trotter, Luke Mangan and Riccardo Genovesi. And joining the event this year will be Thierry Marx, France's hottest avant-garde, two-Michelin-starred chef; Floyd Cardoz, groundbreaking Indian chef from New York; and Art Smith, America's most famous homestyle chef.
Getting a table at restaurants of these superstar chefs can take months, never mind that you would have to save for the overseas plane ticket, so this is a great opportunity to let your palate be tantalised by their world cherished cuisine right here in Asia.
One of 2009’s highlights, Chef Thierry Marx.
Other than signature dinners, the event also offers a number of cooking classes and wine conducted by these famous chefs. And the Singapore Wine Auction and Gala dinner that benefits the Viva Foundation for Children with Cancer will nicely wrap up the 10-day fest.
To cater to the health-conscious, there are a wide range of health and wellness activities including yoga, Taiji, spa and seminars. This year's highlight hosts include Deepak Chopra, one of the world's greatest leaders in mind body medicine, and Saumik Bera, one of the best yoga teachers in Asia.
With museums and art galleries as its venues, the festival also features a number of art exhibitions including painting workshops, photo contest and the first-ever Paranakans and their jewellery fashion show.
"Even though the concept of this event is all-embracing and quite sweeping in its scope, the fact that there are so many events and world-acclaimed artists available to people of such wide cultural backgrounds and interests makes it particularly appealing to many visitors.
The strength of the festival lies not only in the concept of bringing people together from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds but in the extraordinary quality of the participating artists, coupled with the cooperation and collaboration within the local host community," the organiser, Charles Hamlen, said.
For more information or to book tickets, visit http://www.singaporesunfestival.com or http://www.sistic.com.sg
Dame Vera Lynn tops album chart at 92
At age 92, Dame Vera Lynn has beaten the Arctic Monkeys and even The Beatles to capture the No. 1 record in Britain.
The singer, who 70 years ago recorded an evocative reminder of home for British soldiers fighting far away, on Monday became the oldest living artist to have a No. 1 record in Britain when her album We'll Meet Again - The Very Best of Vera Lynn took the top spot.
This week's British album charts were a veritable trip down memory lane - The Beatles had 17 records in the top 100, thanks mainly to the release last week of their remastered albums. Michael Jackson had five appearances in the top 100.
Some were expecting Yhe Beatles' offerings to overtake Lynn's record - which was No. 2 last week, after the Arctic Monkeys' Humbug - but their mass release may have prevented any one album from outselling We'll Meet Again.
Lynn was known as the "Forces' Sweetheart," and her songs - including We'll Meet Again, and (There'll be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover - were wartime anthems.
"In a sense, it's comfort music," said music writer John Aizlewood. "These are quite uncertain times, and quite austere times, as well. And in these times, you need music to help pull you through."
He attributed much of Lynn's resurgence to nostalgia, a longing for simplicity and old-fashioned values, and "pensioner power".
"Obviously, young people aren't buying Vera Lynn records," Aizlewood said. "But there's a certain age group that is."
Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini attributed part of the attraction to the convenience of having all of Lynn's seminal songs in one place.
"This is what I call tapping a reservoir of love," he said.
"There are a lot of people who know they love her, they may have one or two singles, they may have two songs or albums, but this makes them think that 'I don't have them all, I should go out and get this'."
Lynn's record entered the charts at No. 20 three weeks ago and a buzz over her return to the country's top-selling records steadily grew, said HMV spokesman Gennaro Castaldo.
"I can't imagine it'll be No. 1 next week, but it'll be a consistent seller over the next weeks and months, and could be a big hit at Christmas," he said.
Both downloads and physical sales count on the Official Chart Company's count, according to their website, but Castaldo said he thought it was unlikely that many of Lynn's sales were attributed to downloads.
Gambaccini said the singles chart - topped this week by Pixie Lott - is much more heavily influenced by downloads, while the album chart is mainly physical purchases.
According to her record company, Lynn first recorded We'll Meet Again in September 1939, just as World War II broke out. She wasn't the soldiers' favourite right away, said Terry Charman, a senior historian at London's Imperial War Museum. But as servicemen all over the world heard Lynn on the radio - and many saw her in person, in far-flung places like Burma and Egypt - she became the voice that would remind them of home.
Her wartime BBC radio show Sincerely Yours followed the Sunday evening news and was a must-listen for British troops abroad. She read messages from their families and performed songs they requested.
And Lynn is still speaking out for soldiers - appearing recently in major British newspapers to urge support for troops fighting in Afghanistan.
Made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975, she has been part of important national functions - such as the 2005 anniversary celebrations of World War II's Victory in Europe Day and the late Queen Mother's birthday.
Lynn says she doesn't intend to record again and told the BBC she was puzzled by her comeback.
"I think it's because of the problems going on with fighting in various parts and a bit of nostalgia, but I don't know," Lynn said. "I'd like someone to tell me."
The singer, who 70 years ago recorded an evocative reminder of home for British soldiers fighting far away, on Monday became the oldest living artist to have a No. 1 record in Britain when her album We'll Meet Again - The Very Best of Vera Lynn took the top spot.
This week's British album charts were a veritable trip down memory lane - The Beatles had 17 records in the top 100, thanks mainly to the release last week of their remastered albums. Michael Jackson had five appearances in the top 100.
Some were expecting Yhe Beatles' offerings to overtake Lynn's record - which was No. 2 last week, after the Arctic Monkeys' Humbug - but their mass release may have prevented any one album from outselling We'll Meet Again.
Lynn was known as the "Forces' Sweetheart," and her songs - including We'll Meet Again, and (There'll be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover - were wartime anthems.
"In a sense, it's comfort music," said music writer John Aizlewood. "These are quite uncertain times, and quite austere times, as well. And in these times, you need music to help pull you through."
He attributed much of Lynn's resurgence to nostalgia, a longing for simplicity and old-fashioned values, and "pensioner power".
"Obviously, young people aren't buying Vera Lynn records," Aizlewood said. "But there's a certain age group that is."
Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini attributed part of the attraction to the convenience of having all of Lynn's seminal songs in one place.
"This is what I call tapping a reservoir of love," he said.
"There are a lot of people who know they love her, they may have one or two singles, they may have two songs or albums, but this makes them think that 'I don't have them all, I should go out and get this'."
Lynn's record entered the charts at No. 20 three weeks ago and a buzz over her return to the country's top-selling records steadily grew, said HMV spokesman Gennaro Castaldo.
"I can't imagine it'll be No. 1 next week, but it'll be a consistent seller over the next weeks and months, and could be a big hit at Christmas," he said.
Both downloads and physical sales count on the Official Chart Company's count, according to their website, but Castaldo said he thought it was unlikely that many of Lynn's sales were attributed to downloads.
Gambaccini said the singles chart - topped this week by Pixie Lott - is much more heavily influenced by downloads, while the album chart is mainly physical purchases.
According to her record company, Lynn first recorded We'll Meet Again in September 1939, just as World War II broke out. She wasn't the soldiers' favourite right away, said Terry Charman, a senior historian at London's Imperial War Museum. But as servicemen all over the world heard Lynn on the radio - and many saw her in person, in far-flung places like Burma and Egypt - she became the voice that would remind them of home.
Her wartime BBC radio show Sincerely Yours followed the Sunday evening news and was a must-listen for British troops abroad. She read messages from their families and performed songs they requested.
And Lynn is still speaking out for soldiers - appearing recently in major British newspapers to urge support for troops fighting in Afghanistan.
Made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975, she has been part of important national functions - such as the 2005 anniversary celebrations of World War II's Victory in Europe Day and the late Queen Mother's birthday.
Lynn says she doesn't intend to record again and told the BBC she was puzzled by her comeback.
"I think it's because of the problems going on with fighting in various parts and a bit of nostalgia, but I don't know," Lynn said. "I'd like someone to tell me."
Grammy cashes in on Money Channel
GMM Grammy Plc, the country's largest entertainment company, expects to generate a profit of 100 million baht from Money Channel next year after extending broadcasting time to 18 hours a day from eight now.
Family Know-How Co, the operator of Money Channel, will produce TV programmes focusing on the capital market for 8.5 of the 18 hours for the Stock Exchange of Thailand, which holds a 50% stake in the company, at cost.
The SET has a budget of 200 million baht per year to hire Family Know-How to produce the programmes.
Grammy holds the other 50% of the 50 million baht in registered capital of Family Know-How. It will manage the remaining 9.5 hours of airtime and will enter joint ventures with some partners to produce some programmes for them.
Grammy director Sumeth Damrongchaitham said it expected to generate at least 200 million baht from advertising revenue and additional income from management of 9.5 hours of special programmes for partners.
"Although the management structure has been changed, most of the content of Money Channel still focuses on money management, stocks, banking and finance. However, the programmes will be more interesting and the content will be easier to understand," he said.
Money Channel will relaunch with programme adjustments on Oct 5.
Mr Sumeth, who is also the new managing director of Family Know-How, said the first two or three new programmes would start broadcasting in January and another 10 programmes were likely to be added over the first half of the year.
"We strongly believe that we can generate profit from the first two or three programmes. If there was no profit [potential], we wouldn't have joined Money Channel. We have two or three clients in the banking business interested in our proposed programmes," he said.
Family Know-How will hold an event next month to meet prospective customers from banking, securities companies, and listed companies next month.
SET president Patareeya Benjapolchai said the exchange wanted to increase the audience for the channel, so better strategic and action plans for Family Know-How were needed.
"We realised that we lack a creative team to develop our programmes and make them more attractive," she said."We started looking for a joint venture last year and found Grammy, which will help us develop and create programmes for Money Channel."
GRAMMY shares closed yesterday on the SET at 14.10 baht, down 10 satang,in trade worth 1.68 million baht.
Family Know-How Co, the operator of Money Channel, will produce TV programmes focusing on the capital market for 8.5 of the 18 hours for the Stock Exchange of Thailand, which holds a 50% stake in the company, at cost.
The SET has a budget of 200 million baht per year to hire Family Know-How to produce the programmes.
Grammy holds the other 50% of the 50 million baht in registered capital of Family Know-How. It will manage the remaining 9.5 hours of airtime and will enter joint ventures with some partners to produce some programmes for them.
Grammy director Sumeth Damrongchaitham said it expected to generate at least 200 million baht from advertising revenue and additional income from management of 9.5 hours of special programmes for partners.
"Although the management structure has been changed, most of the content of Money Channel still focuses on money management, stocks, banking and finance. However, the programmes will be more interesting and the content will be easier to understand," he said.
Money Channel will relaunch with programme adjustments on Oct 5.
Mr Sumeth, who is also the new managing director of Family Know-How, said the first two or three new programmes would start broadcasting in January and another 10 programmes were likely to be added over the first half of the year.
"We strongly believe that we can generate profit from the first two or three programmes. If there was no profit [potential], we wouldn't have joined Money Channel. We have two or three clients in the banking business interested in our proposed programmes," he said.
Family Know-How will hold an event next month to meet prospective customers from banking, securities companies, and listed companies next month.
SET president Patareeya Benjapolchai said the exchange wanted to increase the audience for the channel, so better strategic and action plans for Family Know-How were needed.
"We realised that we lack a creative team to develop our programmes and make them more attractive," she said."We started looking for a joint venture last year and found Grammy, which will help us develop and create programmes for Money Channel."
GRAMMY shares closed yesterday on the SET at 14.10 baht, down 10 satang,in trade worth 1.68 million baht.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Dylan works to go on show
He writes, he sings,he sometimes exchanges blows in the boxing ring. But Bob Dylan is also familiar with another type of canvas as a quietly prolific painter.
Nearly 100 artworks from the iconic musician will be exhibited at the National Gallery of Denmark next year, the museum has announced.
The show, set to open late next year in Copenhagen, will include the world premiere of 30 large-format acrylic paintings as well as works previously displayed in European venues.
Several of Dylan's images reveal an affinity for some of the modernist masters, such as French artist Henri Matisse's works from the 1920s, said the gallery's chief curator, Kasper Monrad, who is organising the exhibition.
"Bob Dylan's visual artistic practice has only been discussed by art historians to a limited extent so critical examination and interpretation are called for," Mr Monrad said. Dylan first put his paintings on display in 2007 at the Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz museum in the small German city of Chemnitz.
Last year, a London gallery hosted an exhibition of his works.
Dylan recently told British music magazine Mojo that he has always drawn and painted "but up until recently,nobody's taken an interest. There's never been any support for it. Now I'm scrambling to keep up with demand".
Nearly 100 artworks from the iconic musician will be exhibited at the National Gallery of Denmark next year, the museum has announced.
The show, set to open late next year in Copenhagen, will include the world premiere of 30 large-format acrylic paintings as well as works previously displayed in European venues.
Several of Dylan's images reveal an affinity for some of the modernist masters, such as French artist Henri Matisse's works from the 1920s, said the gallery's chief curator, Kasper Monrad, who is organising the exhibition.
"Bob Dylan's visual artistic practice has only been discussed by art historians to a limited extent so critical examination and interpretation are called for," Mr Monrad said. Dylan first put his paintings on display in 2007 at the Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz museum in the small German city of Chemnitz.
Last year, a London gallery hosted an exhibition of his works.
Dylan recently told British music magazine Mojo that he has always drawn and painted "but up until recently,nobody's taken an interest. There's never been any support for it. Now I'm scrambling to keep up with demand".
A tribute to the late King of Pop
Michael Jackson, who was not only one of the most influential forces in MTV's history but also provided its Video Music Awards with some of its most irreverent moments, got reverential treatment on Sunday as Madonna and his sister Janet provided emotional tributes - one through words, one through song.
Madonna kicked off the show at Radio City Music Hall with a poignant speech about her relationship with Michael Jackson, which began when she was a youngster idolising the then child star, then morphed into a friendship when both were at the apex of their careers,and later, grew distant.
Madonna lamented the negative publicity that dogged him in his later years.
"Sometimes, we have to lose things before we can truly appreciate them," said Madonna,dressed in black.
"Yes, Michael Jackson was a human being,but yes, he was a king," she told the celebritystudded crowd, which included Michael's brother Jermaine and father Joe Jackson."Long live the king!"
The musical tribute began afterward as Jackson clones dressed in some of his signature outfits recreated his famous dance moves from videos such as Bad ,Smooth Criminal and Thriller .Then, as Scream , his duet with Janet,appeared on a large screen, his sister came out to recreate the moves from their only video together as the crowd, including Beyonce,cheered her on. Afterwards, she looked heavenward, and bowed.
It was a tender, special moment - a rarity for the Video Music Awards - that didn't last for long. Kanye West, known for his awards show outbursts when he doesn't win, had another one, this time, on behalf of Beyonce.
Beyonce, nominated for best female video for Single Ladies , was bested by country and pop sensation Taylor Swift. The 19-year-old was giddy when she won, saying:"I always wondered what it would be like to maybe win one of these some day, but never actually thought it would happen."
But West ruined her moment when he jumped on stage, and protested.
"Taylor, I'm really happy for you, and I'm gonna let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time," he said, as a shocked Beyonce looked on and the crowd began to boo West.
A crestfallen Swift didn't finish her speech,but the crowd tried to cheer her on and applauded her.
It was another wacky moment for the VMA archives, and a contrast to the tribute to Jackson.Jackson died in Los Angeles on June 25 at the age of 50.
Jackson was not only an integral part of MTV's history - his legendary videos changed the way music clips were made and he was the first African-American artist whose work was aired on the fledgling network - but he also provided the VMAs with some of its most memorable moments, including his infamous smooch with then wife, Lisa Marie Presley, in 1994.
The tribute wasn't the only moment where Jackson's presence was felt. The network also aired a brief premiere of the trailer for This Is It , the documentary about Jackson's preparations for his comeback concerts that were to be held in London. The film is due to release next month.
Comedian Russell Brand also paid tribute to Jackson:"Tonight is dedicated to the great Michael Jackson," Brand, in a top hat, told the audience."Let's honour Michael tonight by loving one another in his memory."
Last year, Brand made his debut as host by poking fun at the Jonas Brothers' vow of purity,among other ribald moments.
This year, he cracked jokes about Katy Perry's posterior.
There were plenty of colourful moments before the show began, as celebrities including Pink and astronaut Buzz Aldrin mingled in front of the cameras at Radio City Music Hall.
Lady Gaga made one of the more intriguing entrances, wearing a top hat, a gold mask looking like something out of Phantom of the Opera and feathered bodice.She also had some intimate moments with a celebrity date even more famous - Kermit the Frog.
They kissed several times, leading Kermit to openly worry about the reaction from longtime pal Miss Piggy.
Not to be outdone, teen sensation Swift arrived in a fairy tale carriage drawn by white horses.
Beyonce and Lady Gaga lead all artists with nine nominations each, but the show's winners aren't nearly as memorable as the wacky and wild moments, and noteworthy performances.
Both superstars performed, along with JayZ, Taylor Swift, Green Day and other acts.
Madonna kicked off the show at Radio City Music Hall with a poignant speech about her relationship with Michael Jackson, which began when she was a youngster idolising the then child star, then morphed into a friendship when both were at the apex of their careers,and later, grew distant.
Madonna lamented the negative publicity that dogged him in his later years.
"Sometimes, we have to lose things before we can truly appreciate them," said Madonna,dressed in black.
"Yes, Michael Jackson was a human being,but yes, he was a king," she told the celebritystudded crowd, which included Michael's brother Jermaine and father Joe Jackson."Long live the king!"
The musical tribute began afterward as Jackson clones dressed in some of his signature outfits recreated his famous dance moves from videos such as Bad ,Smooth Criminal and Thriller .Then, as Scream , his duet with Janet,appeared on a large screen, his sister came out to recreate the moves from their only video together as the crowd, including Beyonce,cheered her on. Afterwards, she looked heavenward, and bowed.
It was a tender, special moment - a rarity for the Video Music Awards - that didn't last for long. Kanye West, known for his awards show outbursts when he doesn't win, had another one, this time, on behalf of Beyonce.
Beyonce, nominated for best female video for Single Ladies , was bested by country and pop sensation Taylor Swift. The 19-year-old was giddy when she won, saying:"I always wondered what it would be like to maybe win one of these some day, but never actually thought it would happen."
But West ruined her moment when he jumped on stage, and protested.
"Taylor, I'm really happy for you, and I'm gonna let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time," he said, as a shocked Beyonce looked on and the crowd began to boo West.
A crestfallen Swift didn't finish her speech,but the crowd tried to cheer her on and applauded her.
It was another wacky moment for the VMA archives, and a contrast to the tribute to Jackson.Jackson died in Los Angeles on June 25 at the age of 50.
Jackson was not only an integral part of MTV's history - his legendary videos changed the way music clips were made and he was the first African-American artist whose work was aired on the fledgling network - but he also provided the VMAs with some of its most memorable moments, including his infamous smooch with then wife, Lisa Marie Presley, in 1994.
The tribute wasn't the only moment where Jackson's presence was felt. The network also aired a brief premiere of the trailer for This Is It , the documentary about Jackson's preparations for his comeback concerts that were to be held in London. The film is due to release next month.
Comedian Russell Brand also paid tribute to Jackson:"Tonight is dedicated to the great Michael Jackson," Brand, in a top hat, told the audience."Let's honour Michael tonight by loving one another in his memory."
Last year, Brand made his debut as host by poking fun at the Jonas Brothers' vow of purity,among other ribald moments.
This year, he cracked jokes about Katy Perry's posterior.
There were plenty of colourful moments before the show began, as celebrities including Pink and astronaut Buzz Aldrin mingled in front of the cameras at Radio City Music Hall.
Lady Gaga made one of the more intriguing entrances, wearing a top hat, a gold mask looking like something out of Phantom of the Opera and feathered bodice.She also had some intimate moments with a celebrity date even more famous - Kermit the Frog.
They kissed several times, leading Kermit to openly worry about the reaction from longtime pal Miss Piggy.
Not to be outdone, teen sensation Swift arrived in a fairy tale carriage drawn by white horses.
Beyonce and Lady Gaga lead all artists with nine nominations each, but the show's winners aren't nearly as memorable as the wacky and wild moments, and noteworthy performances.
Both superstars performed, along with JayZ, Taylor Swift, Green Day and other acts.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
"American Idol" heads for 9th season
For those who are wondering what kind of judge Ellen DeGeneres will be on American Idol , she offered this nugget on Ryan Seacrest's radio show last Thursday:"I really do pride myself on not judging."
Speaking roughly 12 hours after she and Fox Broadcasting announced that she would take the place of Paula Abdul as the fourth judge on the most popular series on television, DeGeneres vowed to fill Abdul's role as the nice one while also offering the perspective of fans at home.
"I'm not going to be mean," DeGeneres said. Referring to Simon Cowell,the UK judge who usually offers the most piercing criticisms of Idol contestants, she added:"I hate when Simon's that mean. You can be constructive and you can criticise somebody in a way that's helpful instead of mean spirited."
For Fox and the show's producers,FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, the appointment of DeGeneres created an immediate stir of excitement around a show that will begin its ninth season in January,2010.
That is no small feat. At the least,DeGeneres' appearance is likely to draw those curious about how she interacts with three colleagues who each have significant experience in either musical performance or the management of popmusic artists.
DeGeneres has neither, and her appointment drew some criticism from an array of professional Idol watchers.M.J. Santilli, the author of mjsbigblog.com ,which tracks all things related to American Idol , wrote that she was dismayed by the news, in part because the addition of a fourth judge last year caused too much focus to be placed on them rather than on the performers.
"Adding an A-list comedian will exacerbate what I see as one of the major flaws in the show right now," Santilli wrote."The kids should be front and centre."
Earlier this year, DeGeneres worked as a guest judge on So You Think You Can Dance , which shares a network and producers with Idol . Discussions about the Idol job began shortly after that appearance.
Several critics wondered how DeGeneres' penchant for making jokes and talking at length will fit in a programme that is performed live under strict time constraints. On multiple occasions in recent years the show has run over its time period, frustrating viewers who record it; in addition, almost every year some viewers complain that the performers are not given enough time to perform their music.
Mike Darnell, the president of alternative entertainment for Fox, called that concern "the silliest thing I've ever heard". He noted that DeGeneres won rave reviews as host of the live broadcasts of the Oscar and Emmy ceremonies.
DeGeneres, whose syndicated daytime talk show is in its seventh year, of course has plenty of experience performing in front of an audience. In addition to a career as a stand-up comic, she starred in a situation comedy on ABC from 1994 to 1998. An episode in which her character came out as gay attracted 46 million viewers.
"I'm speaking as someone who is a huge music fan, and I also am onstage every single day and I've gone through the criticism," she told Seacrest.
Cecile Frot-Coutaz, an executive producer of the show for Fremantle,said that perspective will be a benefit for the programme."Ellen knows what it takes to create a connection with the audience," she said."The show is not just about being able to sing. It is about the ability to create a connection and getting people to fall in love with you."
Frot-Coutaz said the producers were working with Fox to try to expand some Idol shows in the middle of the show's season to 90 minutes from 60 minutes,to deal with the weeks when there are many performers and limited time.
DeGeneres signed a multi-year contract with American Idol , which offers the producers some insurance if she succeeds in attracting viewers to a show whose audience has declined in recent years. Cowell, the most popular judge,has a contract that runs only through next season, and while he has said he wants to return he has also asked for a substantial raise.
Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi,the other two permanent judges, have contracts through the current season as well.
An array of guest judges will fill the spot vacated by Abdul for the audition episodes that take up the first few weeks of the season. But it is possible that DeGeneres will be on hand for "Hollywood Week", where the top 200 or so performers come to Los Angeles to compete for a spot among the final 36.
In past years that week has taken place in November, but this year it has been moved to January, Frot-Coutaz said,and DeGeneres "should be there" if logistical arrangements allow.
DeGeneres will continue to tape her daytime show on weekday afternoons at the Warner Bros studio in Burbank,California, before driving to the Idol studio for the live performance two or three evenings a week.
Speaking roughly 12 hours after she and Fox Broadcasting announced that she would take the place of Paula Abdul as the fourth judge on the most popular series on television, DeGeneres vowed to fill Abdul's role as the nice one while also offering the perspective of fans at home.
"I'm not going to be mean," DeGeneres said. Referring to Simon Cowell,the UK judge who usually offers the most piercing criticisms of Idol contestants, she added:"I hate when Simon's that mean. You can be constructive and you can criticise somebody in a way that's helpful instead of mean spirited."
For Fox and the show's producers,FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, the appointment of DeGeneres created an immediate stir of excitement around a show that will begin its ninth season in January,2010.
That is no small feat. At the least,DeGeneres' appearance is likely to draw those curious about how she interacts with three colleagues who each have significant experience in either musical performance or the management of popmusic artists.
DeGeneres has neither, and her appointment drew some criticism from an array of professional Idol watchers.M.J. Santilli, the author of mjsbigblog.com ,which tracks all things related to American Idol , wrote that she was dismayed by the news, in part because the addition of a fourth judge last year caused too much focus to be placed on them rather than on the performers.
"Adding an A-list comedian will exacerbate what I see as one of the major flaws in the show right now," Santilli wrote."The kids should be front and centre."
Earlier this year, DeGeneres worked as a guest judge on So You Think You Can Dance , which shares a network and producers with Idol . Discussions about the Idol job began shortly after that appearance.
Several critics wondered how DeGeneres' penchant for making jokes and talking at length will fit in a programme that is performed live under strict time constraints. On multiple occasions in recent years the show has run over its time period, frustrating viewers who record it; in addition, almost every year some viewers complain that the performers are not given enough time to perform their music.
Mike Darnell, the president of alternative entertainment for Fox, called that concern "the silliest thing I've ever heard". He noted that DeGeneres won rave reviews as host of the live broadcasts of the Oscar and Emmy ceremonies.
DeGeneres, whose syndicated daytime talk show is in its seventh year, of course has plenty of experience performing in front of an audience. In addition to a career as a stand-up comic, she starred in a situation comedy on ABC from 1994 to 1998. An episode in which her character came out as gay attracted 46 million viewers.
"I'm speaking as someone who is a huge music fan, and I also am onstage every single day and I've gone through the criticism," she told Seacrest.
Cecile Frot-Coutaz, an executive producer of the show for Fremantle,said that perspective will be a benefit for the programme."Ellen knows what it takes to create a connection with the audience," she said."The show is not just about being able to sing. It is about the ability to create a connection and getting people to fall in love with you."
Frot-Coutaz said the producers were working with Fox to try to expand some Idol shows in the middle of the show's season to 90 minutes from 60 minutes,to deal with the weeks when there are many performers and limited time.
DeGeneres signed a multi-year contract with American Idol , which offers the producers some insurance if she succeeds in attracting viewers to a show whose audience has declined in recent years. Cowell, the most popular judge,has a contract that runs only through next season, and while he has said he wants to return he has also asked for a substantial raise.
Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi,the other two permanent judges, have contracts through the current season as well.
An array of guest judges will fill the spot vacated by Abdul for the audition episodes that take up the first few weeks of the season. But it is possible that DeGeneres will be on hand for "Hollywood Week", where the top 200 or so performers come to Los Angeles to compete for a spot among the final 36.
In past years that week has taken place in November, but this year it has been moved to January, Frot-Coutaz said,and DeGeneres "should be there" if logistical arrangements allow.
DeGeneres will continue to tape her daytime show on weekday afternoons at the Warner Bros studio in Burbank,California, before driving to the Idol studio for the live performance two or three evenings a week.
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