The Bangkok Chopin Society was formed
in December 1984 for the purpose of introducing Chopin to a wider audience
and to encourage and to promote young
talents in the performance of piano music especially that of Chopin.The
Society
brings foremost interpreters of Chopin's music to Thailand,among them
Professor
Barbara Hesse-Bukowska Professor Tadeusz Kerner, Bogdan Czapiewski,
Anna Maria Stanczyk, Piotr Paleczny,Professor Li Mingqiang,Bernard Ringeissen
and
Ruth Slenczynska.Since its founding,it has initiated a programme of
activities to include
concerts by both local and international pianists,lectures,piano masterclasses
and
the Chopin Piano Competition.The Competition held every three years
provides
a platform for the young pianists and creates new incentives for study
and performance.Seven competitions have been held:in 1986,1989,1993,1996,1999,
2002 and 2005.Many of the winners have pursued their careers in music.
H.E.Dr. Bogdan Goralczyk,the Ambassador
of Poland and internationally known
pianist Melvyn Tan are the Society's Honourary Patrons. Dr. Elvie Villanueva,Mr.
Montri
Congtrakultien and Captain Alak na Patalung are Patrons.Dr. Saisuree
Chutikul,
Dr. Chaleo Manilert,and Mr. Janek Lukasiewicz are the Society's Advisers.
The Board
members of the Society are Lucia M. Thangsuphanich,President; Norie
Kanitar Chinwanich,Vice-President and Treasurer;Suda Bhanomyong,Public
Relations;
Dr. Sirikul Vannasaeng,Membership;and Kamolvan Punyashthiti,Honourary
Secretary.
The Bangkok Chopin Society
is able to continue its work through the encouragement
and support of the musical community,the Embassy of the Republic of
Poland in Bangkok,
and the cultural and business organizations.The Society is in contact
with the other
Chopin Societies abroad within the IFCS(International Federation of
Chopin Societies)
as well as with the Chopin Society in Taipeh,the Chopin Society in Malaysia
and especially
with the Chopin Society in Hong Kong which has cooperated with the Bangkok
Chopin
Society in various musical activities.
