Classical Night at the Four Seasons

January 13

Lovers of classical music were treated to a very special evening this past Saturday when the Pro Musica string quartet performed ‘Requiem Without Words’, a Mozart requiem, in loving memory of its founder, Admiral ML Usni Pramoj. In 1958, Pro Musica was formed by ML Usni who soon grew it into a small chamber orchestra. As founder, violinist in the quartet, concertmaster of the orchestra, occasional conductor and general manager, ML Usni, with support from the Goethe Institute, turned his quartet into Thailand’s first non-government professional orchestra with the aim of promoting classical music in Thailand. In 1975 the orchestra morphed into the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra though recently Pro Musica was revived to fill the need for a small and more mobile chamber orchestra. ML Usni passed away last year and this special night was a requiem in his honour. Guests were taken to a private villa on the Four Season’s lush grounds, treated to a red carpet treatment which included wines and canapés, before settling in to enjoy a truly magical performance. ML Usni’s widow Thanpuying Varaporn attended the requiem and it is hoped that this annual event will continue in his honour for many years to come. All proceeds from the event will go to Thai Red Cross Society, Chiang Mai Chapter.