Piyawat Louilarpprasert (founder, composer)
Noppakorn Auesirinucroch (director, guitar)
Pisol Manatchinapisit (saxophone, conductor)
Patumwan Piensub (flute)
Christhatai Paksamai (clarinet, int’ committee)
Kerk Jaree (synth, piano, electronics)
Saksilpa Srisukson (violin, librarian)
Tapanatt Kiatpaibulkit (violin-viola)
Kantika Comenaphatt (admin, cello)
Worrapat Yansupap (guitar)
Thanapat Ogaslert (electronics, sideman)
Kantapong Rakbankerd (percussion, stage manager)
Siravith Kongbandalsuk (trombone, treasurer)
Sakda Prachumchana (tuba, general manager)

“Young and Gifted, Meet the rebel Thai composer taking music to unheard heights” (CNN News Worlds Report, Karla Cripps)

Originally from Bangkok, Piyawat Louilarpprasert is a Thai composer, multimedia performer, and curator who works with the interweave of music composition, visual art, and sound installation. Piyawat’s music explores possibilities of creating the amalgamation of sonic and visual arts, including integrating multimedia and music, deconstructing instruments’ s mechanism and physicality with sound production method, and involving Thai traditional music elements in new compositions.

With performances spanning over 20 countries across Asia, Europe, and United States, Piyawat has received commissions and awards, including the Fromm Foundation Commission, Harvard University (Boston), the Ernst von Siemens Musikstiftung Commission (DE), British Council Grant Prize (UK), 100^th year commission of Donaueschinger Musiktage (DE), KulturKontakt Residency by the Austrian Federal Chancellery (Austria), Best Music Award International Computer Music Conference (Shenzhen), Impuls Composer Commission (Graz), Artist in residence of Südwestrundfunk (SWR) Experimental Studio (Freiburg) see more: www.piyawatmusic.com

Piyawat is currently an Assistant Professor of Composition at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) and a curator at IntAct Festival (Thailand).

Noppakorn Auesirinucroch is a guitarist and interactive performer whose work integrates music and sound studies with approaches from interdisciplinary art, multisensory perception, cross-modality, and multimedia. Over the past years, Noppakorn dedicated himself to advocating a new music community in Thailand and abroad by collaborating with a large number of local and international artists, performers and music-makers. As a guitarist, Noppakorn has performed in festivals and has been awarded in competitions including Thailand International Guitar Competition, Asia International Guitar Festival, Indonesia International Guitar Festival, Tarrega International Guitar Festival and among others.

His current research, “Innovative Practice of Enhancing Musical Perception”,  in collaboration with Charles Michel, a former chef in residence at Oxford University’s Experimental Psychology Department, was highly recognized and selected for publication in the Netherlands Research Catalogue. The research is focusing on designing multisensory performance with an emphasis on sound-taste associations and crossmodal correspondences—a review on the process of creating a flavour musical piece for solo guitar in collaboration with a prominent Thai composer, Piyawat Louilarpprasert, has been elaborated.

He obtained his BMus and MMus degrees with the absolute highest distinction in classical guitar performance from the Koninklijk Conservatorium in The Hague, Netherlands, under the instruction of Enno Voorhorst and Zoran Dukic. Noppakorn had studied with prominent artists, including Roland Dyens, Costas Cotsiolis, Raphaella Smiths, Xuefei Yang, Aniello Desiderio and Duo Melis. Noppakorn is currently serving as a director of Tacet(i), Southeast Asia’s leading new music ensemble, and an artistic director of the IntAct Festival 2021-22 and Co-Director of IntAct Festival 2023. 

The recipient of best Thai performer in Jean Marie Londeix International Saxophone Competition 2017 and Selmer Saxophone Artist (Paris), Pisol Manatchinapisit has been awarded several prizes and honors such as Prix Walo-Sprungbrett 2017 (Switzerland), 3rd prize Asian saxophone competition 2016 (Taiwan), 2nd prize Osaka International Music Competition 2014 (Japan) and Gold Medal, Settrade Music Competition 2013 (Thailand).    

He also participated and performed in several music festivals such as Eurosax 2014 (Spain), Vienna International Saxfest 2016 (Austria), World Saxophone congress 2015 (France) and 2018 (Croatia), Zurich International Saxfest 2017 (Switzerland), Palma de Mallorca Saxophone Festival 2018 (Spain), Saxtronic in Space, The Pavillon Le Corbusier 2019 (Switzerland), Hearing Visibilities: Multimedia Music and Art Performances 2019 (USA), ZHdk Saxophone Quartet, Embassy of Switzerland in the Republic of Korea 2019 (South Korea), Lange Nacht, Artikulationen in der zeitgenössischen Musik 2019 (Switzerland), Musikpodium der Stadt Zürich – Hommage à Armin Schibler (Switzerland), and many more.

With an ardent advocate of new music, Pisol works largely on acoustical contemporary music and music technology by new works of new composers and also himself. Recently, he is collaborating with emerging Thai composer, Piyawat Louilarpprasert. The past projects included Vienna Saxfest 2016 (Vienna), “Diffused Portrait” 2017 (London and The Hague), Thailand International Composition Festival 2016 (Bangkok), Tesselat Composer Collective 2018 (Osaka) and “Pixel for saxophone and orchestra” with Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra 2019 (Thailand).

Christhatai Paksamai is celebrated as a distinguished clarinetist renowned for her technical mastery and unparalleled performances. Her dynamic career as both a performer and educator has afforded her the opportunity to travel extensively across the globe, leaving an indelible mark on the international music scene. From 2015 to 2019, she was a Clarinet Professor at Zhaoqing University, China, where she taught private lessons, clarinet choir, masterclasses, and played in faculty ensembles. She is currently a member of the Beijing Contemporary Soloist Group, the Thailand Symphony Orchestra, and the Tacet(i) Ensemble.

Ms. Paksamai earned her Master of Arts from Chulalongkorn University in 2016, studying with Dr. Yos Vaneesorn. She also studied in Paris from 2011 to 2014, where she received a performance certificate from the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Versailles under Philippe Cuper and studied bass clarinet with Philippe Olivier Devaux at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Départemental Marcel Dadi de Créteil. Her undergraduate degree was from Mahidol University, where she graduated with first-class honors under Cassandra Fox-Percival.

She has participated in masterclasses and festivals in over 10 countries, receiving numerous scholarships and awards. Notable achievements include first prize for Interpretation of Contemporary Music at the International Summer Academy in Austria (2011), and second prize at the Settrade Music Competition in Bangkok (2010). She performed with the Chulalongkorn Clarinet Choir at the International Clarinet Association Festival in Madrid (2015) and was a guest artist at the 1st Wind Orchestra Festival in Guangzhou (2017) and the 3rd International Clarinet Festival in Beijing (2023).

Ms. Paksamai is a member of the International Clarinet Association and has performed at ICA events in Assisi (2015), Madrid (2015), and Ostend (2018). She is currently the Symphonic Ensemble Band Director at Mahidol University’s College of Music and an artist for Triebert France Ligature and Buffet Crampon. Her primary teachers include Philippe Cuper, Philippe Olivier Devaux, Cassandra Fox-Percival, Cheryl Melfi, Yos Vaneesorn, and Sooksan Ratanapol.

Patumwan Piensub is a flutist from Bangkok, Thailand, graduating in flute performance from the College of Music, Mahidol University, where he studied under Hiroshi Matsushima. His earlier mentors included Soraphot Worasaeng and Woraphon Kanveerayothin. Patumwan has held the position of Principal Flute with the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music Youth Orchestra (PYO) and the Siam Sinfonietta. As an advocate for new music, he recently joined the Tacet(i) ensemble, performing in projects such as the IntAct Festival, the SoundSculpt Project (British Council Grant), and a contemporary performance supported by the Office of Contemporary Arts and Culture (OCAC).

Siravith Kongbandalsuk is an artist based in Thailand, with a primary focus on exploring the diverse realm of sound. With a background as a music performer, Siravith pushes the boundaries of traditional and contemporary music practices, engaging in interdisciplinary, theatrical, improvisational, electronic/electroacoustic, and interactive multimedia performances. Additionally, Siravith possesses a deep curiosity for uncovering the possibilities of sound creation within the context of composition, music performance, instruments, and installation.  

Siravith has been participating and performing at several music events, including International Computer Music Conference (ICMC) 2023, Cornell Council of Arts Biennial Project, Cornell University, Kultur Kontakt Austria, Tokyo Media Interaction, Asian Composers League, Princess Galyania Vadhana International Symposium, Thailand International Composition Festival and Thailand New Music and Arts Symposium. Besides, Siravith also participated in several projects funded by many organisations such as small grants by Japan Foundation Bangkok, CTC British Council grant, Music grant by Swiss Art Council, Pro Helvetia, and Contemporary Art Promotion Fund from Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC), Thailand. Siravith’s installations/instruments have been presented in several places, such as Urban Ally-Bangkok Design Week 2024, My Allee – Seoul, Korea, Longgang Cultural Centre, Shenzhen, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) and Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music (PGVIM).  

Since 2014, Siravith has been a member of Tacet(i) Contemporary Ensemble and has collaborated with several composers and artists, including Eleni Ralli, Peter Veale, Piyawat Louilarpprasert, Jason Thorpe Buchanan, Scott Wilson, Emily Koh, Anselm MacDonnell, Sergio Cote Barco, Christopher Miller, Christopher Adler, Anothai Nitibhon, Chung Shi Hoh, and Boon Hua Lien.   

Siravith earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance (Classical Trombone) with Philip Brink at College of Music, Mahidol University, Thailand (B.M.) and a Master of Music in Music Performance (Trombone Performance) with Bart Claessens at Conservatorium Maastricht, Netherlands. He received an Excellence Scholarship from Zuyd University, Maastricht, and the Fund for Classical Promotion Under the patronage of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana for his Master’s Degree. Currently, Siravith is a vice-dean and full-time lecturer at the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music. Also, Siravith is a co-director of IntAct Festival in Bangkok, Thailand.  

Kantapong Rakbankerd** is a distinguished Thai contemporary percussionist and a dedicated Music Instructor at the Department of Music, Udon Thani Rajabhat University, Thailand. He is also an active member of the Tacet(i) Ensemble. Kantapong completed his Pre-College program and Bachelor’s degree in Classical Percussion Performance at the College of Music, Mahidol University, Thailand, under the guidance of Dr. Wannapha Yannavut. In 2019, he earned his Master of Music in Music Education from the Faculty of Music, Bangkokthonburi University, Thailand.

From 2013 to 2015, Kantapong was a full-time percussionist with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra. His extensive performance experience spans various genres, including Popular Music, Jazz, Classical Music, and Contemporary Music. Notably, Kantapong was a finalist in the Conrad Young Musician of Thailand competition in 2009. He has also participated in master classes with renowned marimbists such as Momoko Kamiya, Seung Myeong Oh, Peter Vulperhorst, Robyn Schulkowsky, Dr. John W. Park, Katarzyna Mycka, and Wei-Chen Lin. Currently, Kantapong continues to collaborate with composers, arrangers, and contemporary artists both in Thailand and internationally.

Tapanatt Kiatpaibulkit is a distinguished violist with the Tacet(i) Ensemble. His musical journey took a significant turn in 2010 when he studied at the Consevatoire Municipal de Musique, de Danse et d’Art Dramatique in Salon-de-Provence, France, under Madame Beatrice Broyer. This formative experience was crucial to his artistic development. In 2014, Tapanatt further advanced his expertise in contemporary music in Darmstadt, Germany, guided by Ms. Anothai Nitibhon and Mr. Peter Veale.

He completed his formal education in 2016 at Mahidol University’s College of Music, where he refined his viola technique with Mr. Juris Madrevich and Mr. Vladislav Shumakov. Tapanatt also studied piano with Mr. Bakhtiyor Allaberganov, harp with Ms. Phuttaraksa Kamnirdratana, theory and composition with Mr. Valeriy Rizayev and Mr. Surat Kemaleelakul, and conducting with Ms. Pamornpan Komolpamorn.

His performance career includes notable engagements with Tacet(i) at the Thailand International Composition Festival, as well as contributions to TMAO, IntAct, and the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music Youth Orchestra. Tapanatt has also collaborated with the Siam Sinfonietta and the Siam Philharmonic Orchestra. His work with Studio 28 Orchestra demonstrates his versatility in creating captivating soundtracks for film and television, making a significant impact in both recording studios and concert halls.

“We express our sincere gratitude to pianist Kerk-sakul, whose exceptional accompaniment elevated the brilliance of the event and enhanced the performances of all the finalists.” – Benjamin Coelho, Chair of the 2023 Norma Hooks Young Artist International Competition (IDRS 2023)

Kerk-sakul, a native of Ayutthaya, Thailand, is a versatile pianist known for his multifaceted talents in composition, transcription, experimentation, and improvisation. With a passion for collaboration, he excels as a collaborative pianist, demonstrating exceptional proficiency with instruments such as strings, woodwinds, and brass.

His extensive experience as a collaborative pianist has seen him become a stalwart companion to numerous young musicians and students on stage, consistently contributing to their success in national and international music competitions including HKYPAF, Osaka Music Competition, and SET Music Competition, among others. Notably, his exceptional performance earned him the Gold Medal at the SET Music Competition in 2012, leading to his triumphant debut with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra in 2013. In this debut, he mesmerized audiences with his rendition of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor before a captivated full house.

Kerk-sakul embarked on his piano journey at the age of 11 and later studied under the tutelage of Ruetaitip Patricia Bhasuk. He was accepted into the pre-college program at Mahidol University’s College of Music (B.M.) in 2007, where he had the privilege of working with distinguished mentors such as Sebastien Koch, Dr. Nopanand Chanorathaikul, and Dr. Wen-Hui Lily Lin. Subsequently, he pursued advanced studies at the Faculty of Music, Silpakorn University (M.M.) focusing on Performance and Pedagogy.

Currently, Kerk-sakul serves as a pianist, keyboardist, and electronics performer with the Tacet(i) Contemporary Ensemble, where he continues to explore innovative avenues in contemporary music expression, enriching the cultural landscape with his creative contributions.

A former percussionist and a self taught technician, Thanapat is one of emerging visual/electronic artists in Thailand. Graduated in Media and Communication from Mahidol University International College in 2020, Thanapat then continues to create multimedia art as a synthesis artist by joining the multimedia-electro performing group, The Face Shield band with Dr. Piyawat Louilarpprasert and Mr. Rittichut Phetmunin. Thanapat was one of the top students of Dr.Jack Picone a several award-winning and renowned documentary photographer. His electronic music and sound artwork amalgamate elements between visual art, computerization, analog technology and sound-visual integration in order to explore the body and structure of the composition. Recently, his previous work set, “Caged/Uncaged” was exhibited at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) with the Face Shield. His recent works are including the “Chamber Of Null” (an interactive Exhibition), The Face shield Vol.1: Streaming Performance (multimedia and sound performance), The Face Shield Vol. 2: Bangkok to Bogota (Telematic Performance) and The Face Shield Vol. 3: the Burning Symphony (Short Film). He is recently a 13th member of the Tacet(i) Ensemble.

Guntiga Comenaphatt is the cellist with Tacet(i) and hails from Chiang Mai, Thailand. She began her cello studies at age 11 with Assist. Prof. Sompong Wongdee and later studied under Mr. Juris Lakutis at the College of Music, Mahidol University, where she earned her Master’s degree in Music Performance and Pedagogy in 2018.

Guntiga has been an active performer with Tacet(i) Contemporary Ensemble since 2014 and has participated in notable events such as the Thailand International Composition Festival and SCG Young Thai Artist’s programs. Her extensive career includes serving as a cellist with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra from 2008 to 2022 and being a member of the Thailand New Music and Arts Organization (TMAO).

She has toured internationally with both the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra and Tacet(i), performing at prestigious venues across Europe and the United States. In October 2022, Guntiga joined Tacet(i) on a U.S. tour, which included performances, lectures, and masterclasses at Cornell University, Ithaca College, Peabody Conservatory, and City University of New York. As a member of TMAO, she participated in the International Composition Institute of Thailand and performed at the Int-Act festival’s “Making Things” event.

Guntiga has also been featured in master classes with renowned cellists such as Ekachai Maskulrat, Prof. Maria-Leigenseder-Ewald, Prof. Stefan Popov, and Prof. Eleonora Testeleca.

Saksilpa Srisukson was born in 1998. He started playing the violin when he was seven with Natnucha Sasipurana. Later on, he studied the viola under the supervision of Thosaporn Pothong. Saksilpa was a Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music Youth Orchestra (PYO) member during the first season in 2013. He participated in the 47th Darmstadt New Music Festival 2014 in Darmstadt with Anothai Nitibhon and Peter Veale, and ever since stuck in the realm of complexities and abstractions. He has also been awarded the second prize as a violist for the Melodio Piano Quartet in Princess Galyani Vadhana International Ensemble Competition 2015. He has also performed in various concerts, musicals and recitals, with genres ranging from contemporary music, musical theatres, mariachis, and Thai pop oldies.  

Aside from music, he is interested in philosophy, mathematics, physics, and their intersections. After his undergraduate studies in physics at Chulalongkorn University, he read for Part III of the Mathematical Tripos at the University of Cambridge. Alongside solving equations for strings theory, his violin strings vibrate for the Cambridge University Orchestra and has been a guest player for numerous ensembles in Cambridge throughout the term. 

Worrapat was born in Saraburi Province, Thailand, in 1995, where he began his musical journey under the unwavering support of his family. Introduced to classical guitar, piano, electric guitar, bass, and drum kit from a young age, he quickly developed a profound love for music, fostering a steadfast determination to pursue a career in the field.

In 2010, he embarked on his formal musical education at the College of Music, Mahidol University, enrolling in the bachelor’s degree program in music. Under the mentorship of Leon Koudelak, a Czech guitarist renowned for his lineage under Konrad Ragossnig and Karl Scheit, Worrapat specialized in classical guitar, honing his skills and passion.

Throughout his academic tenure, Worrapat’s dedication and talent were recognized through scholarships from Mahidol University, facilitating his successful completion of his undergraduate studies in 2016. Subsequently, in 2017, he pursued advanced studies at the Royal Conservatoire in the Netherlands, where he earned a full scholarship to undertake a master’s degree.

Under the tutelage of the esteemed Prof. Zoran Dukic, a distinguished guitarist celebrated for his triumphs in various competitions, Worrapat excelled. His commitment to excellence culminated in his graduation from the Royal Conservatoire in 2019 with an outstanding score of 9.5/10.

Worrapat’s proficiency and dedication have earned him accolades in classical guitar competitions, granting him opportunities to showcase his artistry on international stages. His thirst for knowledge led him to study under acclaimed guitarists such as Tomonori Aria, Philippe Lolli, Rene Izquierdo, Gerard Abiton, Francisco Bernier, Xuefei Yang, Aniello Desiderio, Pedro Mateo, Graham Devine, Izhar Elias, and others.

Driven by a desire to enrich his homeland’s classical guitar scene, Worrapat made the conscious decision to return to Thailand upon completing his studies. He aspires to share his experiences, inspire budding musicians, and contribute to the flourishing of classical music in his native country.

Sakda Pharchumcharna, a Thai tubist from Bangkok, Thailand, specializes in classical and contemporary music, actively contributing as a new music tuba player. He graduated with a B.M. from the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music (PGVIM) in performance under the guidance of Mr. Thunyawat Thangtrakul, earning a full scholarship. During his undergraduate studies, Sakda was selected for the PGVIM scholarship exchange program to work and study in Germany with Ensemble Musikfabrik. Under the mentorship of Peter Veale (conductor) and Melvyn Poore (tuba), he enhanced his skills and broadened his musical horizons. Sakda has participated in numerous music festivals and competitions, including the Asia Brass Festival Tuba & Euphonium in China, the Asia Brass Festival Tuba & Euphonium Competition in Korea, and the Princess Galyani Vadhana International Ensemble Competition in Thailand. Dedicated to continuous improvement, Sakda attended masterclasses with renowned tubists such as Roger Bobo, Anne Jelly, Perry Hoogendijk, Sergio Carolino, and Jenes Bjorn Larsen. As an aspiring young performer, he has received awards, including the 2nd prize in the Call for Soloist competition (Princess Galyani Vadthana Youth Wind Orchestra) in 2020 and the 3rd prize in the Asia Brass Festival Tuba & Euphonium Competition in China. Currently, Sakda Pharchumcharna is a member of the Thai contemporary ensemble, Taceti), contributing to the dynamic landscape of new music.