From March 31 to April 7, 2025, the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music Youth Orchestra (PYO), in collaboration with Studio Musikfabrik and Musikhochschule Lübeck, traveled to Germany to perform Concert Tributes and Chamber Concerts in several key cities.

Concert Tribute @ Witten Saalbau, Witten (April 2, 2025)

The tour began in Witten, a small town filled with warmth and charm. The concert was held at Saalbau, a performance hall located near the central train station. Though the morning air was a brisk 9°C, the atmosphere was full of excitement as the musicians rehearsed with composer Prof.Dieter Mack, who joined closely in preparing his piece Khaen for Solo Khaen and Chamber Orchestra. The rehearsal brought out the fusion between the traditional Thai instrument, the khaen—performed by Sun Nanthachai—and contemporary music. The performance concluded with pride and celebration, followed by a classic German-style pizza party before the ensemble departed for Cologne (Köln).

Chamber Concerts @ Hochschule für Musik und Tanz, Köln (April 3, 2025)

After a bus ride from Witten, the group arrived in Cologne, a city known for the iconic Kölner Dom—one of Europe’s tallest Gothic cathedrals and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After settling in and enjoying slightly warmer weather, the group took the U-Bahn to Hochschule für Musik und Tanz, where they rehearsed and performed chamber works under the guidance of Peter Veale. The concert drew an audience of students and faculty members who warmly welcomed the performance.

Following the concert, Peter Veale and Eva Niesan led the group on a visit to Ensemble Musikfabrik—an acclaimed contemporary music ensemble known for innovation and experimentation. Supported by the EU, the ensemble focuses on producing and managing new music projects. The youth musicians toured their well-equipped rehearsal and editing rooms. On this occasion, Asst. Prof. Dr.Anothai Nitibhon, Acting President of the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music, presented a token of appreciation to Ensemble Musikfabrik for their continuous support and care throughout the tour.

Concert Tribute @ Kunst-Station St. Peter, Köln (April 4, 2025)

The next day, the youth orchestra visited Kunst-Station Sankt Peter—a church that uniquely blends contemporary art with a sacred atmosphere. This setting provided an unparalleled and serene backdrop for the performance. The audience included representatives from the Royal Thai Embassy in Berlin, as well as Prof. Bart-Jeroen Kool and Prof. Dong-Won Lim from Alanus Hochschule für Kunst und Gesellschaft, both experts in the intersection of movement and music. Passersby who were drawn in by the enchanting sound of the khaen, played by Sun Nanthachai, also joined the audience. The performance evoked deep emotional resonance as the sound of the khaen gradually filled the church, enriching the tranquil space. After the concert, the hosts treated the group to a celebratory German meal at a local Brauhaus.

Chamber Concerts @ Musikhochschule Lübeck (April 5, 2025)

Early the next morning, part of the group continued their journey to Lübeck via Deutsche Bahn trains, navigating tight connections and steep staircases with heavy luggage—a memorable experience in itself. The six-hour journey led them to a northern German town rich in history and recognized by UNESCO for its Gothic brick architecture. Lübeck is also renowned for its world-famous marzipan, especially from the Niederegger brand. Though the temperature hovered around 6°C with strong winds from the North Sea, the clear sunlight added charm to the exploration of the old town.

Musikhochschule Lübeck, just a 10-minute walk from the train station, is nestled in the heart of the old city, surrounded by small canals—giving the town an “island” feel. The conservatory itself is housed in four connected historic buildings with wooden staircases and narrow hallways, evoking the atmosphere of Hogwarts from Harry Potter, enhanced by its striking Gothic design. The high ceilings and thick walls of the concert hall provided an acoustically rich environment for both rehearsal and performance.

The chamber concert at Lübeck attracted a full audience of faculty and students. Musicians from Lübeck also joined the PYO musicians for a collaborative performance that was filled with shared artistry and admiration.

At the conclusion of the tour, Prof. Dr. Oliver Korte, Vice President of Musikhochschule Lübeck, and his team warmly welcomed the group. Asst. Prof. Dr. Anothai Nitibhon presented a gift from the Institute as a token of appreciation for their partnership and support. The visit ended with a celebratory dinner at a popular Greek restaurant in Lübeck, where the hosts and the youth musicians bid farewell and looked forward to future collaborations.

Cultural Excursion in Germany (April 6, 2025)

On the final day of the trip, the group spent the morning exploring the historic town of Lübeck and sampling marzipan at the famous Niederegger café. Meanwhile, another part of the group in Cologne visited the Kölner Dom and Museum Ludwig, a modern art museum housing works by Picasso and notable pop art pieces.

With the itinerary complete, the youth orchestra made their way to the airport for the return journey to Thailand.

This journey was not only a musical performance but a profound cultural exchange between Thailand and Germany, creating invaluable experiences in the hearts of every young musician. It also reinforced the strong and lasting relationship between the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music, Musikhochschule Lübeck, and Ensemble Musikfabrik, who have been collaborating for over a decade.