The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) today announced its full support for the 16th Bangkok International Festival of Dance and Music, which will be held from 13 September to 26 October, 2014, at the Thailand Cultural Centre in Bangkok.
To celebrate the now much-anticipated event’s 16th anniversary, the organiser, International Cultural Promotions Limited, has put together a programme of 16 performances from 14 countries – Italy, China, France, the UK, Spain, Sweden, Greece, Switzerland, Denmark, India, Columbia, Israel, Portugal and Germany.
Various embassies, as well as public and private organisations, in Thailand are also lending a helping hand, either as sponsors or supporters of the event.
Among this year’s highlights are a performance of Don Giovanni by Teatro Lorico Italiano of Rome and the Macedonia Opera; a show from Cirque Eclipse, the China National Acrobatic Troupe of Beijing; a dazzling Bollywood extravaganza, Taj Express and, for pop lovers, The World’s Greatest Abba Show – The Arrival From Sweden. And of course there will be many other great performances of opera, ballet, music and dance to be enjoyed from over 1,000 international artists.

The Bangkok International Festival of Dance and Music was first held in 1999 to commemorate the 6th Cycle Birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. From 1999 to 2004, Her Royal Highness the late Princess Galyani graciously chaired the event’s organising committee, giving her advice on which artists should be selected and which performances staged. From 2008 until the present day, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has graciously given her patronage to the Festival and has been involved in the process of the selection of artists and performances as well as personally attending many of the shows herself every year.

Over the past 15 years, the Bangkok International Festival of Dance and Music has matured and developed into one of the largest arts and cultural events in Asia. Each year, the event attracts well over 600 international performers and more than 40,000 Thai, expatriate and international spectators.

TAT Governor Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik said, “Now in its 16th year, the Bangkok International Festival of Dance and Music is stronger than ever, with literally thousands of artists keen to come and show off their skills and talents. The event is now a firm fixture on the international cultural calendar and shows that Thailand has much to offer the world’s art scene in terms of contemporary and classical performances. Any tourists and visitors lucky enough to be in Bangkok over the course of the Festival really should try and catch a performance. There are some world-class shows to see that will enhance their experiences here in Amazing Thailand.”