A Tour Between Bangkok, Witten, Cologne, and Lübeck with Studio Musikfabrik, the Princess Vadhana Institute of Music from Bangkok, and the Lübeck University of Music

When young musicians from different parts of the world come together, an artistic dialogue emerges—one that transcends borders and forges connections. The project “Tribute” brought together Studio Musikfabrik, the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music Youth Orchestra (PYO), and the Musikhochschule Lübeck, uniting international musicians in an exchange of contemporary music, cultural curiosity, and human connection.

At the heart of the project was not only the collaborative work on an extensive program featuring works by Ligeti, Chacon, Kagel, and Mack, along with two additional chamber music programs, but also the shared experience—characterized by openness, respect, and inspiring collaboration.

Our journey took us from the tropical metropolis of Bangkok to Witten and Cologne, and for some of us, all the way to Lübeck. In addition to intense rehearsals and concerts, we experienced rich cultural insights, spontaneous encounters, new friendships—and the power of music as a unifying force that bridges all differences.

A reflection on two weeks that moved us in many ways—musically, personally, and across worlds.

Part I – Bangkok: Arrival, Rehearsals, Wonder, and the First Concert

March 24, 2025 – After a 12-hour flight and a long layover in Dubai—filled with juggling and card games to pass the time—we finally arrived in Bangkok. At the airport, we were welcomed by Mine and taken by shuttle bus through the city toward our hotel, passing our first glimpses of the vibrant Thai metropolis. After a brief period of acclimatization, we headed straight to the institute to begin rehearsing the challenging pieces the same day, alongside the musicians from Studio Musikfabrik and the Musikhochschule Lübeck, under the direction of Peter Veale. Everyone was quickly exhausted but full of anticipation for the days ahead. We wrapped up our arrival day with a shared dinner.

The following days were intense. Between rehearsals, first culinary discoveries, and strolls through Bangkok’s steamy streets, we got to know not only a new country but also our colleagues from the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music (PGVIM).

Despite language differences, we immediately found a common ground through music – the exchange was warm, open, and full of curiosity from the very beginning.

Due to the unique ensemble configurations within the programs, musicians from the three institutions came together in various constellations to rehearse both large-scale orchestral pieces and chamber works.

A particular highlight was our first encounter with the Khaen, a traditional instrument that sounds like a blend of an organ and a harmonica. It played a central role in the piece by Dieter Mack—and captivated us with its rich tonal colors and the virtuosity of the soloist, Patchaya Nantachai.

Of course, there was also time to explore. We visited Buddhist temples, art museums, and street markets, and sampled our way through Thailand’s delicious cuisine. Some sought out music shops to discover local instruments, while others treated themselves to a traditional Thai massage—an almost meditative experience for some. In the evenings, the whole group would typically gather at a local restaurant to unwind after the rehearsal-filled days.

On March 28, the day before the concert, the ground suddenly shook. A 7.3 magnitude earthquake rocked Bangkok—and all of us. During rehearsals, we had to evacuate the building. In the midday heat, we waited outside for the all-clear. Later that evening, rehearsals continued, albeit behind schedule—with remarkable calm and focus. Music carried us through the day.

On Saturday, March 29, we performed our first concert of the tour in Bangkok. In the concert hall of the Galyani Vadhana Institute, we presented our program—featuring works by Ligeti, Mack, and Kagel—with a special sense of unity and under the inspired direction of Peter Veale.

Samuel (Piano, Lübeck University of Music):
“For me, it was the first time being part of such a large project as a pianist. The pieces were very challenging, as I hadn’t had much experience with contemporary music. Honestly, I started out with little confidence, but thanks to the intensive rehearsals and Peter’s support, I began to enjoy it more and more. In the end, I’m very happy with the result.”

That evening marked the world premiere of Khaen by Dieter Mack, featuring a solo performance by Khaen player Patchaya Nantachai, as well as “The Enigma of the Mirror in Portraiture” by Songklod Nunthakasem— the winning composition from the Call for Scores competition. The concert was well attended, the audience attentive and moved. The premiere was celebrated with a group dinner, and soon it was time to say goodbye to Bangkok.

Our final hours in Bangkok were spent strolling through Wang Lang Market, enjoying massages, savoring authentic Thai cuisine one last time—and feeling a bittersweet mix of farewell and gratitude. The return journey on March 30 was calm. In Dubai, we reunited with the first group from PYO—there was sleep, reading, conversation, and quiet reflection.

© Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music Youth Orchestra

Part II – Germany: Return, Resonance, Reflection

Back in Germany, March 31 began with a moment of calm. Upon arriving in Witten, we took a breath—and resumed rehearsals the next day. The contrast was tangible: from Bangkok’s tropical energy to the quiet atmosphere of a small town in Westphalia. Yet, music continued to connect us.

Working with composer Dieter Mack was a highlight for many. In Witten, and later in Cologne, he worked with us on his piece—precise, demanding, and inspiring. The acoustics of the Saalbau in Witten presented new challenges, but the first concert in Germany turned out to be a musical success. It was particularly fascinating to perform the same works in such contrasting spaces and moods.

On April 3, we played a chamber music concert at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz in Cologne, featuring works by Raven Chacon, John Cage, Piyawat Louilarpprasert, and others. Afterwards, we walked together to Musikfabrik to give the musicians from the institute a tour of Ensemble Musikfabrik’s facilities.

That afternoon, we had the opportunity to attend an open rehearsal led by two musicians from Ensemble Musikfabrik. For the Thai musicians, it was their first time seeing the Cologne Cathedral—an emotional moment that showed just how much our guests from Asia had been looking forward to this journey.

The final large-scale concert on April 4 at the Kunststation Sankt Peter brought everything together: the architecture, the acoustics, the music—and a sense of farewell. After Dieter Mack’s piece, Jonathan and Patchaya improvised on the Khaen and xylophone to weave a touch of traditional Thai music into the program.

Jonathan (Percussion, Studio Musikfabrik):
“Another highlight for me was being able to perform a short encore of traditional Thai music with the khaen player. Having other people share their culture with you is such a wonderful experience—and once again, it deeply moved me.”

Isa (Cello, Studio Musikfabrik):
“When we arrived at the Kunststation Sankt Peter, we were all struck by the beauty of the space and its acoustics. In good spirits—thanks also to the lovely weather—we had a great dress rehearsal and a celebratory final concert. For me, everything came together in that performance, and I felt completely at ease. I would have loved to perform this program of beautiful and fascinating music several more times!”

Part III – Lübeck: Sharing Home, Saying Goodbye

For part of the group, the final stop was Lübeck. At 6:30 a.m., it was time to depart the hostel in Cologne. For the musicians who live in Lübeck, it was a homecoming—and a chance to show their city to the Thai guests. The concert in the chamber music hall of the Musikhochschule Lübeck became the emotional finale of the tour. The audience was attentive, the hall was full, and the atmosphere was truly special.

Afterward, we all gathered once more—sharing laughter and a touch of melancholy. It was clear: these two weeks had changed us. Not only musically, but personally.

Giovanna (Violin, Studio Musikfabrik):
“I’m always amazed by how music can connect people, even when they live thousands of kilometers apart, and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to discover the world through music.”

A Reflection: Music as Connection

This journey left its mark—on us, on our music, and in our encounters. We experienced new sonic cultures, formed new friendships, performed in a wide range of venues—and learned how precious artistic exchange can be.

Haylin (Viola, Studio Musikfabrik):
“It was an unforgettable, enriching, and magical journey. I’m deeply thankful for the friendships—with fellow musicians and the entire team—whether from PYO, PGVIM, or Musikfabrik. It was a great joy and honor to be part of this project.”

What remains? Unforgettable impressions, a strengthened ensemble—and a promise: We’ll be back. Maybe not to the same place, but with the same openness and curiosity.

Gemma (Flute, Studio Musikfabrik):
“This was my first experience with Studio Musikfabrik. I’m truly grateful to have had this opportunity. Peter is a brilliant professional and a kind person, always with a constructive and motivating spirit.”

Thank you to everyone who was part of this journey—on stage, behind the scenes, in Bangkok, Witten, Cologne, and Lübeck.