RBSO reunites with Valentin Egel and Niklas Liepe for an evening of orchestral masterworks
The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (RBSO), under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, presents Royal Harmony, an evening of orchestral masterpieces featuring the orchestra’s newly appointed Principal Guest Conductor, Valentin Egel, and the return of acclaimed German violinist Niklas Liepe. The concert will take place on Sunday, 12 July 2026 at 7.30pm in the Main Hall of the Thailand Cultural Centre.
The performance celebrates the continuation of two valued artistic partnerships. Having previously appeared with the RBSO to critical acclaim, Valentin Egel returns to the podium for the first time since being appointed the orchestra’s Principal Guest Conductor. Widely admired for his energetic musicianship, expressive interpretations and refined musical insight, Egel has built an impressive international career conducting leading orchestras throughout Europe. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter in the orchestra’s artistic development while strengthening an already established relationship with the RBSO.
Joining him once again is Niklas Liepe, whose previous appearances with the orchestra have earned enthusiastic praise from audiences. Recognized as one of Germany’s leading violinists, Liepe is celebrated for his technical brilliance, imaginative programming and deeply expressive performances. His return to Bangkok continues a successful collaboration with the RBSO and promises another memorable musical partnership.
The programme opens with Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, an exhilarating orchestral suite that distils the energy, passion and rhythmic vitality of one of the twentieth century’s most beloved musicals. Rich with jazz influences, Latin-inspired rhythms and sweeping lyricism, Bernstein’s score remains one of the most exciting works in the orchestral repertoire.
Liepe then takes center stage in Rachel Portman’s Tipping Points, a lyrical and evocative violin concerto by the Academy Award-winning British composer. Through soaring melodies and luminous orchestral colors, the work reflects on moments of transformation and resilience, offering a compelling showcase for Liepe’s poetic artistry.
The first half concludes with Passacaglia, Aleksey Igudesman’s virtuosic reimagining of a celebrated theme by George Frideric Handel. Combining Baroque elegance with dazzling contemporary violin technique, the work blends humor, virtuosity and musical ingenuity, providing another opportunity for Liepe to demonstrate his remarkable musicianship.
Spanning more than two centuries of musical creativity, Royal Harmony brings together the theatrical brilliance of Bernstein, the lyrical elegance of Portman, the virtuosity of Igudesman’s reimagining of Handel and the atmospheric beauty of Debussy. With the return of two distinguished international artists, one embarking on a new chapter as the RBSO’s Principal Guest Conductor, the concert promises an evening that celebrates both enduring artistic collaborations and musical excellence.
Royal Harmony will be performed on Sunday, 12 July 2026 at 7.30pm at the Thailand Cultural Centre, Main Hall. Tickets are priced at 600, 1,000, 1,500, 1,800 and 2,400 baht, with a 50% discount for students and seniors aged 60 and above.
