Earlier this year, the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music Youth Orchestra (PYO) worked with the celebrated Mor Lam Rattanasin Intathairat (หมอลำรัตนศิลป์อินตาไทยราษฎร์), creating a memorable intercultural collaboration that brought young classical musicians into the heart of Northeastern Thailand’s vibrant performance tradition. The exchange of artistry, energy, and stories left a lasting impression on both the visiting musicians and their E-sarn counterparts.

Building on the success of that encounter, this year’s Musique de la Terre project continues to explore the Mor Lam tradition and the rich cultural heritage of Northeastern Thailand. While last year’s Musical Odyssey: Exploring E-sarn took participants to Mahasarakham, the 2025 edition shifts to Khon Kaen, offering a fresh setting and new opportunities for exchange.

Led by Pongthep Jitduangprem and Sun Nuntachai, student delegates from Thailand and beyond will once again immerse themselves in the rhythms, melodies, and storytelling of Mor Lam—this time through the lens of Khon Kaen’s local culture. Through workshops, rehearsals, and collaborative creation, participants will engage directly with master performers, learning not only the art form’s techniques but also the social and cultural contexts that give it life.

As with all Musique de la Terre projects, the experience is not about passive observation, but about building relationships, exchanging perspectives, and sparking new artistic ideas. It is an exploration of how tradition can inspire innovation, and how music can serve as a bridge between communities. The 2025 Musical Odyssey continues this mission, fostering creativity, empathy, and mutual understanding across cultures.

Performers

Kunyaporn Apithanakun (Voice)

Supasorn Sukchan (Voice)

Natthawadee Khunmee (Voice)

Choetiga Sriudomsak (Sax)

Chayanin Bangyeekhan (Piano)

Chutikran Sagunasing (Viola)

Patchara Manoonphol (Bass+Push)

Phakwan Sutitarnnontr (Piano)

Wachirapat Manma (Bass)

Yotsatat Huttakijvilai (Trombone)

Kittikan Phetthong (Piano)

Korrakrit Thipparat (Trombone)

Wachirapa Srisutham (Guitar)

Chonnapat Parma (Piano)

Phloiphitcha Auphaichit (Piano)