Festival
Thailand International Composition Festival 2025 Sets New Benchmark in Contemporary Music
Last weekend, the Thailand International Composition Festival (TICF) returned with bold ambition and fresh talent, staging its most forward-looking edition yet. Held on 16 August 2025 at the majestic Prince Mahidol Hall in Mahidol University, the festival was driven by artistic director Narong Prangcharoen—renowned composer, dean of Mahidol’s College of Music, and composer-in-residence for the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra.
At the heart of this year’s festival lies Narong Prangcharoen’s vision: to bring together composers from Southeast Asia and create a unified voice that reflects both the region’s cultural depth and its contemporary aspirations. By inviting creative minds from Malaysia, Thailand, and neighboring countries, Narong emphasized the importance of setting a new standard of excellence for the region’s musical direction. His ambition is not merely to celebrate individual achievements but to nurture a collective identity, positioning Southeast Asia as a vibrant contributor to the global stage of contemporary music.
The opening ceremony unfolded with striking brilliance as the Triphen’s Ensemble Pioneer Project presented Deus Ex Tempore, performed by the Mahidol Wind Orchestra. Under a unique rotation of conductors, the new compositions revealed multiple artistic perspectives: Thanapol Setabrahmana brought an incisive precision and architectural clarity to Songklod Nunthakasem‘s Relativity’s Dance; Tanawit Tangjud infused Morakot Cherdchoo-ngarm‘s Girimehkala with lyrical fluidity and warmth, highlighting the piece’s emotional resonance; while Cho Ki Wong introduced bold dynamism and interpretive daring to Elson Kwong‘s To the Santuary of the Mountain God, driving the performance with an energy that was both urgent and contemporary. Together, their contrasting approaches created a layered interpretation that set the festival’s tone—innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for Southeast Asia’s evolving musical identity.
Beyond the performances, the masterclasses became an equally vital platform for exchange and inspiration. Sean Shepherd, the acclaimed American composer known for his vibrant orchestral writing and keen sense of color, guided participants through the intricacies of modern compositional craft—emphasizing clarity, structure, and bold experimentation.
In contrast, Kah Hoe Yii, Malaysia’s distinguished composer celebrated for weaving Southeast Asian traditions into contemporary forms, offered a perspective deeply rooted in cultural narrative and sonic identity. Their sessions not only showcased the breadth of talent across continents but also underscored the festival’s core aim: to elevate regional voices while engaging in meaningful dialogue with the wider global music community.
The festival reached its grand finale on the last evening with a concert at the majestic Prince Mahidol Hall, aptly themed “The Sound Legacy.” Under the baton of Wilson Ng, one of Asia’s most dynamic young conductors, the program showcased a tapestry of contemporary voices that balanced innovation with tradition. The performance featured the virtuosic marimba soloist Le Yu, and Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra.
Together, they brought to life five remarkable compositions by Elson Kwong (Malaysia), Kee Yong Chong (Malaysia), Xiaogang Ye (China), Sean Shepherd (USA), and Narong Prangcharoen (Thailand)—a lineup that celebrated both regional brilliance and international collaboration. The evening’s concert not only underscored the evolving identity of Southeast Asian music but also positioned it confidently within the wider narrative of global contemporary composition.
For more information about their participants and program at the 20th Thailand International Composition Festival 2025, visit their official website here.
