ABOUT FESTIVAL
- Festival Introduction
- Princess Galyani Vadhana & Music
- Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music
- Festival Logo
“On ne peut atteindre ni à l’art ni à la sagesse si l’on ne s’est pas adonné à leur étude” (One cannot attain art of wisdom if one has not devoted oneself to their study) – a quote by Democritus was one of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra’s favourite quote which summarize who Her Royal Highness was.
Passed away in 2008, Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra had left many legacies that can still be felt strongly in today’s Thai society. Believing that lifelong learning is important for human development, Her Royal Highness’s activities focused on promoting education, social works, healthcare, liberal arts, and cultural activities. Aside from these activities, Her Royal Highness’s love of classical music was well evidenced. To classical musicians and organizations in Thailand, she was the greatest supporter behind its development.
Born in London on Sunday, 6 May 1923, Princess Galyani Vadhana was the eldest sister to the two late kings of Thailand, King Ananthamahidon Phra Atthamaramathibodin, and King Bhumibhol the Great. Her Royal Highness was exposed to classical music at a very young age, through piano learning and listening to classical music while finishing her school’s assignments. This led to her deep understanding of classical music.
Upon moving back to Thailand, Her Royal Highness would attend classical music performances when abled in order to support classical musicians and organizations. In 2000, Her Royal Highness donated her personal budget to support music learning for youth which, later, became the Fund for Classical Music Promotion Under the Patronage of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana. This funding has been the springboard in developing young Thai classical musicians who would play important roles in raising the standard of Thai classical musicians today.
In order to continue Her Royal Highness’ wishes to promote classical music and to make it sustainable within the context of Thailand, Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music was established.