The Bangkok Gay Men’s Chorus (BKGMC) has swept two ASEAN-level awards at The 6th Asean International Chorus Festival 2024: the Most Distinctive Award and the Best Piano Accompaniment Award at The 6th Asean International Chorus Festival 2024, Bangkok Thailand.
The 6th Asean International Chorus Festival 2024 is an annual event among the ASEAN countries to promote professionalism in choral singing and foster friendships among ASEAN nations. This year, the festival was held from March 25-30, 2024, at the Aksra Theatre King Power in Bangkok. There were 15 participating choirs representing each country from regions such as China (Yunnan, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Guizhou), Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.
Mr. Vitaya Saeng-Aroon, the founder of the Bangkok Gay Men’s Chorus (BKGMC), revealed his thoughts on participating in this international festival for the first time: “Although we have had the opportunity to participate in national events, such as the 6th Thailand Choral Festival at the Thailand Cultural Centre and more than 14 other stages, where members had the opportunity to develop their singing skills and teamwork, this performance has allowed BKGMC to make a name for Thailand internationally by winning two major awards – the Most Distinctive Award and the Best Piano Accompaniment Award – the only group from ASEAN to do so, with performances of ‘Never Enough’ from The Greatest Showman and ‘She’ from Notting Hill, coached by Thanat Pongtanalert and accompanied by Monsak Tan-Isarakul on piano.”
BKGMC does not stop there; they plan to participate in the Bangkok Pride 2024, under the theme ‘Celebration of Love’ in June. This will be another stage to express love and acceptance of sexual diversity. For those interested in joining, auditions and more information are available on the Facebook fan page https://www.facebook.com/BANGKOKGMC
Since the group was established in December 2021, Mr. Vitaya Saeng-Aroonsaid that there has been a noticeable change in both personnel development and society’s perspective towards Thailand’s first gay chorus. Members from various professional backgrounds bring diversity and experience, contributing to BKGMC’s professional recognition in the choral community. At the same time, societal attitudes toward the LGBT+ community have improved, though challenges remain in many organizations and institutions that reject us simply because our group’s name clearly indicates sexual diversity, or due to negative attitudes toward the LGBT+ group. Nonetheless, we believe the future will bring more positive trends.”
“The success of BKGMC in showcasing their talents and winning awards at the 6th Asean International Chorus Festival not only builds a reputation for Thailand but also reflects societal changes and acceptance, moving forward with confidence. It shows that music and art are not just mediums for presenting beauty but also powerful tools for creating social understanding and equality,” said Mr. Sarawut Buraphapat, a member of BKGMC’s executive committee.
