Host:
The Chiangmai Youth Philharmonic Band and Symphony Orchestra Foundation
Chiangmai Ginastera International Music Festival and Travels
Although the classical music scene in Chiang Mai is still developing, it is finding growing support among local Thai enthusiasts as well as expatriate communities of countries from around the world. New orchestras have emerged in recent years, and are showing extraordinary potential. However, the musicians rarely have the opportunity to participate in high-profile performances, and have not had the chance to develop the confidence to perform on the level of musicians in more musically influential countries, particularly in Europe.
In the 20th century, the Argentinean composer Alberto Ginastera put South America on the map in the world of classical music, paving the way for many other South American musicians to follow in his footsteps. Today, these musicians continue to inspire audiences around the world. He is known to have told young students of music that “Your music must reach beyond the country of your origin. Do not confine yourself to boundaries.” Inspired by these words, we are determined to spread the unique artistic culture of the Asian provincial city of Chiang Mai to the world, going beyond national borders as well as boundaries of culture and religion. Furthermore, we plan to invite internationally acclaimed musicians to hold world-class performances, with the aim putting Chiang Mai on the world stage. In 2016, to mark the 100th birthday anniversary of Alberto Ginastera, we held the first Chiangmai Ginastera International Music Festival and Competition (CGIMF).
The festival has been a success year after year, and in 2019, the year before Covid, we received over 100 applications from all over the world, especially from Asia. The young and talented participants will be perform to showcase their talents in 2023, this time online.
At the international online audition, musicians compete not over technical skill, but for their ability to inspire audiences who wish to see them performing again. We have made it our mission to discover such new talent, specifically young musicians from Southeast Asia, and support them on their path to reaching world stage.
Words can hardly describe the charms of Chiang Mai — its natural beauty, the kindness of its people, and the joys of interacting with elephants and other magnificent animals have captivated the hearts of many. We will continue our aspiration to hold awe-inspiring events for visitors, local residents, and the participants of the music festival, and use this opportunity to show the world the charms of this truly wonderful city.
Executive Committee of the Chiangmai Ginastera International Music Festival and Travels
