SALA FREE STAGE - FINAL

What is "SALA FREE STAGE"?

It is our initiative to find and support young artists. We believe that young artists need support to kick start their career. What they need the most is an opportunity to be seen and for the audience to appreciate their talents.

How does it work?

We hold an open audition to all to participate with the first round being online application and the final round of live audition at SALA. The winner of SALA FREE STAGE will go on securing their contract in performing as part of SALA Concert Series 2025. The popular vote winner will win a chance to record at the best acoustic hall in Bangkok, Sala Sudasiri Sobha, FOR FREE.

How does "popular vote" work?

The audience play an important role in supporting these young artists. You can help them by voting for them. Join them in their live audition this September 22, 2024. Every ticket counts for 10 votes.

How can you vote for them even if you cannot join the live audition?

You can vote online via the link below:

https://forms.gle/5CaFAiR4kMi5Rb6o8

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Who are the finalists?

1. Thanatat Sriaranyaku (Violin)

Thanatat Sriaranyakul (b. 2000) is an award-winning violinist, having begun his musical journey on the piano at age six before switching to violin at eight. He has studied with distinguished teachers in Thailand and abroad, earning scholarships throughout his education, including a full scholarship at Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore, where he studied under Professor Zuo Jun.

Thanatat has garnered numerous accolades, including Gold Medals at the 2nd Virtual Virtuoso Competition (2021) and SET Youth Musician Competition (2018). He won 1st Prize at the Salzburg Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition (2017) and with his ensemble, Yimpyamp String Quartet, at the New York Golden Classical Music Awards (2018). He has also performed as a soloist with prominent orchestras, such as the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, and has held leadership roles, including concertmaster for the YST Orchestral Institute.

PROGRAMME: Ravel - Tzigane

2. Taksawat Wichienkua (Saxophone)

Taksawat Wichienkua (Pun), born in 2002 in Bangkok, began his saxophone journey at age 12 in a marching band. He pursued a Bachelor of Music in Classical Music Performance at Mahidol University under Dr. Wisuwat Pruksavanich and Prof. Shyen Lee, and is now completing a Master of Music in Music Research and Development at Silpakorn University, studying with Mr. Parkpoom Doungkaew.

Taksawat has earned several national awards, including 3rd Prize in the Ensemble Category at the Thailand International Saxophone Competition 2024, Gold Medal in Woodwind Solo at the WAMSB World Championship 2022, and 3rd Prize in Woodwind Solo at the Valaya Alongkorn Music Competition 2021. He has performed in masterclasses with renowned saxophonists Johan van der Linder and Brandon Jinwoo Choi.

Currently, Taksawat teaches at The Band Music School and works as a freelance saxophonist and music instructor.

PROGRAMME: Fernande Decruck - Sonata (I. Tres modéré, expressif, IV. Nocturne et final)

3. Polly in the bed (Vocal-Guitar)

"Polly in the bed" is a singer-songwriter from Bangkok, known for his indie folk and alternative folk music. As the vocalist of the band Embinkk and a solo artist, "Polly in the bed" draws inspiration from his life, love, and favorite romantic comedies. His music covers a range of emotions, from romantic to chill, with songs that often explore the joys and heartbreaks of love.

His debut studio album, Polly in the bed, features 12 tracks including "Quarantine," "Flower Face," and "Winter Weather." He also released a live album, Night Live Polly, with re-arranged versions of his hits. Polly's soothing voice and relatable lyrics have won him a dedicated fanbase.

Currently working on his second album, "Polly in the bed" has already released singles like "Best Friend," "Love Drugs Me and You," and "Umbrella Vanilla." His live performances feature both new and unreleased songs, captivating audiences with his heartfelt sound.

PROGRAMME: Original songs by the artist - “Best friend” “sweetest brightest mars” and “winter weather”

4. Voci Dal Nord (Opera)

Voci Dal Nord is a Chiang Mai-based vocal duo founded by Elden Handojo and Worawee Saikhum, united by their passion for classical music and opera. Elden, a graduate of Chiang Mai Rajabhat University with a degree in Music Education, has a background in both Khon Dance Drama and classical guitar. His journey from opera skeptic to enthusiast led him to study with renowned vocal coaches. Worawee, a member of the Chiang Mai University Choir, began his singing career in school choirs and refined his classical technique under esteemed Thai instructors.

In 2023, the two met at a master class and created Voci Dal Nord to promote opera and classical music in their community. They offer free choral singing classes at Elden's Sama Sama Kafe & Studio every Wednesday, aiming to inspire aspiring singers. Their dream is to perform at Sala Sudasiri Sobha and contribute to the growth of classical music in Chiang Mai.

PROGRAMME: "E lucevan le stelle", "Ideale", "O sole mio", "Nella fantasia", "Lanna Thai crossover"

5. Mira o Pera (Opera)

Mira o Pera is an exciting new trio of classical singers, featuring sopranos Suchunya Tanvichien and Sotida Chairidchai, along with tenor Panupop Jakklom. All three members are accomplished vocalists with diverse performance backgrounds, united by their passion for opera and classical music.

Suchunya (Mint), a versatile soprano, has performed with Pro Musica and Thailand Music Art Organization, and is a member of the Suanplu Chorus. Sotida (Jan), also a soprano, has been a soloist with the Royal Thai Navy Orchestra and starred in Siam Opera's Nemiraj, Chariot of Heaven. Panupop, the trio's tenor, has been a soloist in numerous productions, including Les Miserables and The Dawn of Spring.

Together, Mira o Pera blends their unique voices and talents to create an unforgettable musical experience, performing a repertoire that spans opera, classical, and contemporary genres. Their passion for vocal artistry shines through in every performance, captivating audiences with their harmonious blend of voices.

PROGRAMME: "O Sole Mio", “Song Of India” from the Sadko, “Dark Roses” (Dunkelrote Rosen) from the Gasparone, “Lascia ch'io pianga” from the Rinaldo, “Lippen schweigen” from the operetta Die lustige Witwe