From Lute to Flute, Youth Musicians Give it All in SET Competition

Higher Education division gold medalist Chinnawat Themkumkwun and his classic guitar

 

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From khlui-ists to krachap pi-ists to violinists to vocalists, the 17th annual SET Youth Musician Thailand Competition once again opened its doors to an eclectic range of talented young performers, with winners claiming their chunk of 1.5 million baht in prizes and scholarships at the January 18 finals.

Violinist Polsid Sodhanasiri, winner in the Secondary School division

The competition, which was established in 1997 by the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and the Mahidol University College of Music, is unique in that it allows young musicians – from elementary school to higher education students up to 25 years old – to choose their instrument (so long as it’s not electronic), choose their pieces and play their hearts out in front of the judges.

So, with such a wide range, how, in the name of music, can a judge possibly determine a winner? The mandate is this: focus on pure musical expression and skills as a basis for the competition results.

“The distinctive feature of this contest is that we will provide a chance for all youth nationwide to join according to  their music talent, both acoustic musical instruments and singing, by judging from their outstanding performance. The competition will motivate youth to practice with concentration, patience and self-discipline, enhancing them to spend free time effectively and away from drugs,” SET President Kesara Manchusree said.


Wot player Krit Inaram, winner in the Elementary School division

A noble endeavor indeed, but how rigorous and credible can a music competition run by a stock exchange be? Well, consider this: Past winner Tapalin Charoensook also took home top prize in the third Karlis Davidov International Competition for Cellists in Latvia in 2004, and this year’s winners have been given top honors in multiple national and international competitions. Let’s just say that the SETMahidol University team puts on a one-of-a-kind, world-class competition.

This year’s gold medalists were wot (a traditional, circular “pan flute” used in mor lam music)  player Krit Inaram in the Elementary School division, violinist Polsid Sodhanasiri in the Secondary School division, violinist Pitchayapa Lueangtawikit in the High School division, and classical guitarist Chinnawat Themkumkwun in the Higher Education division. None of these winners are new to recognition on the national stage, and Polsid, Pitchayapa and Chinnawat have each won international competitions.

Violinist Pitchayapa Lueangtawikit, winner in the High School division

Each of the gold medalists, in addition to their cash prizes, will receive a one-year scholarship to Mahidol University College of Music, and are also eligible for funding to attend international competitions. Winners were selected from 40 finalists who made it through from an initial pool of 400 musicians nationwide.

“I’m really impressed with the talent of Thai youth today and the performances of all the winners were really outstanding. SET is truly committed to encouraging youth to develop their musical skill. The musician or singer needs to devotedly invest both time, energy and mind to learn and practice. We believe that this competition would inspire and pave the way for youth to pursue their dreams for a bright future,” Kesara said.



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