The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra (TPO) will take music lovers on an emotional and joyous journey to Italy during the “Thailand Meets Italy” concert at Mahidol University’s Prince Mahidol Hall, Salaya campus on Jan 15 at 7pm and Jan 16 at 4pm. The programme will feature a duo of popular Italian works led by TPO resident conductor Lt Col Prateep Suphanrojn. The first is Suite-Concertino For Bassoon And Small Orchestra, performed by TPO’s own principal bassoon, Patrawut Punputhaphong. Composed by Ermano Wolf-Ferrari, the piece showcases the generally unheard but powerfully expressive capabilities of the bassoon. The second work is Symphony No.4, The Italian composed by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy during a trip to Italy from 1830-1831. He himself described the work as “the jolliest piece I have ever done”. The first movement features one of the most recognisable, extrovert and happiest openings to a symphony. The second movement narrates an emotional story of hope and promise. The third movement demonstrates the composer’s mastery of classic style, harking back to the tradition of the minuet and trio. The last movement, styled after the traditional Saltarello dance, concludes the piece in a turbocharged frenetic way. Tickets cost 300 and 500 baht (100 baht for students up to bachelor’s degree) and can be purchased from Thai Ticket Major booths (visit www.thaiticketmajor.com) or by calling 02-849-6565/6 ext 6603 and 6609.