Sound investment: Thai benefactors hit the high notes with Mahidol University’s new musical theatre

A new musical theatre has been unveiled at the College of Music, Mahidol University, made possible with the backing of benefactors Dr Somsak and Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul. The Black Box Theater by Dr Somsak & Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul was inaugurated by Khunying Patama, accompanied by esteemed guests like Prasop Riangngoen, the Director of the Office of Contemporary Arts and Culture from the Ministry of Culture, representing Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich.

The modern musical theatre, positioned on the 6th and 7th levels of the South East Asia Music Museum of the College of Music, is equipped with advanced audiovisual systems and can accommodate up to 300 people. The main intention is to enhance students’ abilities, especially in music technology, covering areas such as sound engineering, lighting design, live performances, and popular music.

The project encourages students to produce shows that align with modern industry norms. Khunying Patama stated during the inauguration.

“It promotes the growth of creative output, offering students opportunities to learn through hands-on experimentation, not just through lectures. This enables them to seamlessly transition from learning to professional practice.”

Dr Narong Prangcharoen, the dean of Mahidol University’s College of Music, highlighted the theatre’s function as a creativity incubator. It acts as both a proving ground and a refining platform, readying performances for grander stages.

“It’s a simulated realm where students work with top-notch equipment and professional concert systems, aligning with Thailand’s endeavour to showcase its soft power through artistic productions.”

Khunying Patama also awarded scholarships to 13 recipients of the General Prem Music Scholarship Fund for the year, aimed at promoting and supporting continuous education in the field of musical arts, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, King’s College International School Bangkok is poised for a new phase, as it anticipates the completion of its cutting-edge teaching and learning complex by 2024. This significant project follows the successful establishment of the senior school in 2021. Read more HERE.