Description:
This presentation explores how composer Chaipruck Mekara weaves Thainess—encompassing Thai music, culture, philosophy, language, instruments, and daily life inspiration—into his Western music compositions. Participants will gain insight into his creative process and the unique cross-cultural dialogue present in his works.
Through the lens of Chaipruck Mekara’s work, they will explore techniques for integrating Thai musical modes, cultural symbols, instruments, and broader aspects of Thai philosophy and daily life—including the way of life and language—into original compositions. The presentation also encourages personal creative development and cultural reflection.
The presentation will include excerpts from some of Dr. Mekara’s compositions and will be followed by a Q & A session.
Presenter:
Chaipruck Mekara is a native of Chiang Mai, Thailand. After graduating from Payap University, he earned a Master of Music degree, double majoring in Music Composition and Clarinet Performance, from Roosevelt University, where he studied under Dr. Robert Lombardo. In 2003, Mekara received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Music Composition from Northwestern University.
Like many Asian composers who pursued education abroad, Mekara realized the value of his native culture while in a foreign land. His music seeks to blend the aesthetic philosophies of the East with the compositional techniques of the West. His works have been performed by the Thai Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Chiangmai Philharmonic Orchestra, Northshore Symphony Orchestra, Whitworth Wind Symphony, Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, at the China-ASEAN Music Week (2015), and by various ensembles including the TIMF Ensemble (Korea) and TICF artists-in-residence (Thailand). His compositions have also premiered at the World Choir Games (2012, Cincinnati, OH), the International Trumpet Guild (2011, Minneapolis, MN), the Thailand International Composition Festival, and the Asian Young Musicians’ Connection.
Mekara was invited as a conductor and composer in residence for the prestigious China-ASEAN Music Festival from 2015 to 2019, held in Nanning, Quangxi, China. In 2005 he founded the Chiangmai Philharmonic Orchestra Foundation- The Chiangmai Philharmonic Orchestra and The Chiangmai Philharmonic Band, where he still serves as conductor and music director. In 2016, Mekara co-founded the Chiangmai Ginastera International Music Festival and Competition, assuming the roles of festival director and conductor. He also holds the positions of music director and conductor for both the Chiangmai Philharmonic Orchestra and the Chiangmai Philharmonic Band. Additionally, he is an assistant professor at the College of Music, Payap University, where he teaches Music Composition, Clarinet, Saxophone, and other subjects.