Photography ©Jitti Chompee

Artist : Michaël Cousteau & Jitti Chompee in collaboration with Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music Baroque Ensemble
Year : 2022, Thailand & France/Music & Dance
Venue : Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music / NOV 3 at 19:00
and Alliance Française Bangkok / NOV 5 at 19:00

On the occasion of the 335th Anniversary of the Siamese envoy to France, The Ambassade de France en Thaïlande proudly proposes this special collaboration between French conductor, Michaël Cousteau, and Thai Choreographer, Jitti Chompee, to share the stage with 18 Monkeys Dance Theatre and the PGVIM Baroque Ensemble.

Michaël Cousteau has established himself internationally as a musician of unusual versatility, conducting repertoire ranging from the Baroque period on instruments to contemporary works. His artistic approach leads him to call on artists from the worlds of theater, dance and musical theater. Likewise, the attention to musicality has always played a vital role in guiding the artistic direction for many of Jitti Chompee’s choreographies. With his fascination for sculptural bodies, Chompee also admits that he has been inspired and impressed by the sculptures of Louise Bourgeois, whose feminist subversiveness does leave a stamp on his “Pink Animals” for this special performance.

This grand festival opening celebrates the amalgamation of music, dance and visual arts. The blurring of lines between different genres has always been a signature. This unique collaboration branches out to a local youth ensemble which allows the young musicians to work with internationally acclaimed artists. The collaborative workshop process will enable students to branch out and connect their skills to unfamiliar disciplines. The blending of Baroque music with a daring contemporary interpretation will be a fascinating experience for both the artists and the audience.

Conductor:  Michaël Cousteau
Orchestra:  PGVIM Baroque Ensemble
Choreography: Jitti Chompee
Performers:  18 Monkeys Dance Theatre
Light designer: Jirach Eaimsa-ard

Music Program (Excerpt):
1. Jean-Baptiste Lully: Opera Armide and Te Deum
2. Michel Richard Delalande: Suite No. 9 – Symphonies pour les soupers du Roy (Symphonies for the King’s Supper)
3. Jean-Baptiste Lully: Comedy ballet Le bourgeois Gentilhomme
4. Jean-Philippe Rameau: Opera-ballet Les Indes Galantes

Cooperation and support from Ambassade de France en Thaïlande