Charity concert raises funds for underprivileged children
Thailand’s Grande Dame of jazz, Kamala Sukosol together with her progeny came together once again for their annual charity concert extravaganza, entitled ‘New York, New York’ staged at The Sukosol, Bangkok on August 1-3.
As in previous years, all proceeds from the concert series are pledged to the Thai Red Cross Society’s Princess Sirindhorn Chulalongkorn Craniofacial Center, to help with their invaluable work providing free operations and care to underprivileged Thai children with facial deformities.
The Sukosol Family – You’ve got a friend.
Pattaya Mail’s special correspondent attended the concert on the last night which, not unlike the first two nights, was jam-packed with spectators who were enthralled by the extravagant entertainment as could only be dished out by Kamala Sukosol and her talented family: daughters Marisa and Daranee; granddaughter Natalia; and sons Sukie and Noi (Krissada).
Kamala Sukosol, Thailand’s Grande Dame of Jazz.
Joining the Sukosols on stage were a 20-member big band orchestra under the direction of maestro Tanee Piti Kayoonpan, with regular special guest Dolchai Boonyaratavej, and artists from the Aree School of Dance Arts, with guest choreographer, Eiko Asakawa. The 10-member chorus group was superbly conducted by Poonsuwan.
This year’s concert paid homage to some of New York’s most memorable, beloved and inspirational songs and performers.
Like mother, like daughter, sensational!
The concert’s unique repertoire included memorable classic Broadway hit songs from Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story, Wicked and Chicago.
Highlights included Kamala’s brand new version of ‘New York, New York’, accompanied by the high kicking Rockettes, and Psy’s ‘Gangnam Style’, replete with guest appearance of ‘Madonna’.
Kamala and Natalia confront Darth Vader.
This was followed by a medley of modern hits such as ‘Girl on Fire’ by Alicia Keys, ‘We Are Young’ by Fun and Justin Timberlake’s new chart-topper, ‘Suit & Tie’.
New York being the fashion capital of America, the audience was treated to a spectacular fashion show by ‘Hook’s by Prapakas’.
Kamala said, “This is the seventeenth year that my family, friends, staff and I have performed charity concerts to raise much-needed funds for the Thai Red Cross Society’s Princess Sirindhorn Chulalongkorn Craniofacial Centre.
Natalia and the Aree Dancers – I want to be in America.
“My sincere gratitude goes to Khun Aree Sahavejjabhand for her tireless effort to light up my concerts with the dancers and teachers from her school and Khun Prapakas Angsusingha for the beautiful fashion show.
“On behalf of the children who will be helped by the proceeds raised, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my sponsors, supporters, the audience and my fans.”
She also expressed her gratitude to Sukosol Productions, the Thai Red Cross Society and Singha Corporation for their staunch backing of this event.
Marisa – I dreamed a dream.
Natalia – Girl on Fire.
Marisa and Dolchai take a stroll through Manhattan.
All that Jazz.
GM Hans Spoerri welcomes Erich Dietl and Tukda from Pattaya.
Marisa – Music of the night.
Psy and Madonna – Gangnum Style.
Krissada and Chorus – Jesus Christ Super Star.
