Produced by the prestigious Guimet Museum in Paris and inaugurated by Her Highness Princess Sirindhorn on March 19 this year in France, this exhibition brings together for the first time masterpieces from a single period of Thai history, known as Dvaravati.

Dvaravati: The origins

Pierre Baptiste, the curator for the Guimet Museum in Southeast Asian and Thierry Zéphir, a research engineer at the Guimet Museum, are responsible for the research and presentation of this event, which will mark the end of La Fete.

A silver coin with a Sanskrit inscription translated as ‘Meritorious work of the Lord of Dvaravati’ was passed on to mankind thanks to the patient work of archaeologists – and the result is that an entire kingdom is revealed.

The first of its kind in terms of emerging as a Buddhist state in Southeast Asia, the civilization founded by the Lord of Dvaravati was enigmatic on several fronts.

Even so, certain mysteries remain, such as which city exactly was its capital – Nakhon Pathom, U Thong or elsewhere? Questions like these are likely to remain under investigation as such points come under closer scrutiny among experts and interested members of the public.

The exhibition brings together for the first time under one roof a collection of Buddhist art from the 6-13th centuries from several national museums.

Each item will be studied in the light of recent archeological excavations by Thai and international specialists, and old documents related to scientific research carried out in Thailand during the 1930s.

This truly stunning exhibition, which has enjoyed resounding success in France, revives the ancient civilization of Dvaravati, a ‘Kingdom’ essentially oriented toward Buddhism which - according to some - considerably influenced later Thai culture.

The gallery opens 9 am-4 pm, Wednesday through Sunday.

Painting by Numbers, an exhibition by the Circle-Curated Artists' Group (Top Changtrakul, Sujin Wattanawongchai, Cheksant Gangakate, and Suebsang Sangwachirapiban), explores various systems of numbers from the artists' own perspectives.

Numbers have been involved in our lives since the dawn of time. Man has developed various recognizable symbols pertaining to numbers - tally marks were developed as long ago as 30,000 BC, notes the exhibition's organizer.
A variety of numeric systems emerged on a day to day level before going on to play a role in academic development. Every day, we are surrounded by numbers and they are rooted in our culture and 'social infrastructure', from the moment of birth throughout an individual's lifespan.

The Painting by Numbers exhibition examines systems of numbers, according to each contributor's perspective. Representing an extension of existing beliefs and discussions regarding numeric systems, the participating artists combine this with a contemporary context, examining the relationship between numbers and principles, their relationship with people, and their socio-cultural influence.

For further information, visit http://www.sombatpermpoongallery.com.

River City Shopping Complex presents over 60 works of art, featuring numerous techniques, including oil and acrylic painting, mixed media installations, photographs, and woodcarvings. Each composition relates to aspects of Thai society, such as local architecture, Buddhism, and nature.

Among the local artists whose work is featured are Thanapon Jantalui, Sumed Kansumaso, Narate Kathong, Anuchit Krinkurab and Chartchai Suwanchos, among others.

River City Shopping Complex opens daily from 10 am-8 pm. For further information, visit the organizer's website at http://www.rivercity.co.th.

The Human Soul, a contemporary art exhibition, features two of the most notable and controversial artists of the 21st Century: Meng Yan and Dominic Rouse, the former an eccentric painter from Shanghai, the other a controversial photographer from England.

Although the two artists come from different backgrounds and use different techniques to create their masterpieces, they both embrace a common theme of illustrating the human soul, hence the label for this exhibition.

Gossip Gallery is open from 10 am through to 7 pm Monday through Saturday and on Sunday by appointment only.

Pishnu Supanimit uses a combination of watercolors and a unique printmaking technique in his latest exhbition – Imprint in Memory - allowing him to record his impressions of the sights experienced on his own personal journey through life, as well as reflecting his emotions and profound thoughts.

ARDEL's Third Place Gallery opens Tuesday through Saturday from 10.30 am until 7 pm and on Sunday from 10.30 am until 5.30 pm.

Beyond Beauty is the latest solo exhibition by Chairat Sangthong, a national artist award winner, who depicts people from rural communities in the south of the country. Marks relating to a subject's age, such as rough hands and wrinkled complexions reflect the stark reality of impermanence. Beyond the surface lies the eternal beauty that is love, compassionate and good will, which will hopefully be transferred to future generations.

The opening reception for this exhibition is set to take place on October 26 at 6.30 pm. The gallery opens Tuesday through Saturday from 10.30 am-7 pm and on Sunday from 10.30 am-5.30 pm.

Wantanocchiobot 09 is the latest solo exhibition by Wantanee Siripattananuntakul, a talented young Thai artist who in this case allows visitors sufficient space to freely express their opinions and initiate discussion on issues and topics generated by the works on display.

The idea is to help the audience interpret the works freely, which convey hidden messages leading to the question: 'Just what exactly is Thai culture?'

ARDEL Gallery is open during 10.30 am-7 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, and from 10.30 am-5.30 pm on Sundays. An opening reception for this exhibition will take place on October 26 at 6.30 pm.

The Bangkok international community and all others are encouraged to enjoy a series of weekly Dhamma talks in English by British Buddhist monk of 13 years Phra Cittasamvaro Bhikkhu, which will take place during the Buddhist Lent, or ‘Rains Retreat’ period.

In the spirit of ‘adaptability’, this year’s talks will be held not in a traditional temple, but in a high street yoga studio – Planet Yoga, which is owned by California WOW and located near BTS Asoke.

The talks aim to be light and easy to follow, ideal for both newcomers and experienced Buddhists alike.

The talks will take place every Thursday during August 6 – September 24, from 6 - 8.15 pm.

For further information, please visit the Little Bangkok Sangha website at www.littlebang.wordpress.com.

Learn more about the event in a recent feature by James Vernon here.

If you see a master's of business administration (MBA) qualification in your future, check out some of the vast array of options available by registering online for the MBA Tour 2009 (here).

The MBA Tour will take place from 4.30-9.30 pm and will feature representatives from a vast number of US universities. To learn more about the various panels and sessions involved during the day, along with the participating universities, visit the official website here.

Mahidol University's College of Music proudly presents a performance of Johannes Brahms' Deutsches Requiem (German Requiem [1868]) by the Mahidol University Choir.

The German Requiem is an ambitious challenge for the Mahidol University Choir. The Mahidol Chamber Choir will join the Mahidol Symphonic choir to perform the largest choral piece ever written by Brahms.

The organizer says that the German Requiem, more than any others, provides “hope and consolation during times of darkness and despair“.

Written for a large chorus, orchestra, and two soloists, the Requiem will be performed in a four hand piano version with Bakhtiyor  Allaberganov and Yoshimi Matsushima at the piano.

The solo parts will be sung by two students from Mahidol College of music: Sasaya Chavailit (soprano) and Tulanan Narasetapisarn (baritone).

The concert also includes 'Song for Athene', a choral piece written in 1993 by John Tavener. The performances will be conducted by Dr Henri Pompidor and Dr Randal Buikema, choral directors at Mahidol University.

For further information, visit http://www.music.mahidol.ac.th/muc.

Mahidol University\'s College of Music proudly presents a performance of Johannes Brahms\' Deutsches Requiem (German Requiem [1868]) by the Mahidol University Choir.

The German Requiem is an ambitious challenge for the Mahidol University Choir. The Mahidol Chamber Choir will join the Mahidol Symphonic choir to perform the largest choral piece ever written by Brahms.

The organizer says that the German Requiem, more than any others, provides "hope and consolation during times of darkness and despair".

Written for a large chorus, orchestra, and two soloists, the Requiem will be performed in a four hand piano version with Bakhtiyor?? Allaberganov and Yoshimi Matsushima at the piano.

The solo parts will be sung by two students from Mahidol College of music: Sasaya Chavailit (soprano) and Tulanan Narasetapisarn (baritone).

The concert also includes 'Song for Athene', a choral piece written in 1993 by John Tavener. The performances will be conducted by Dr Henri Pompidor and Dr Randal Buikema, choral directors at Mahidol University.

For further information, visit http://www.music.mahidol.ac.th/muc.

Bangkok’s 11th International Festival of Dance and Music, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon, presents Ekaterinburg Opera Theater from Russia, who will perform Guiseppe Verdi's La Traviata.

This classic, immensely popular opera is arguably a staple of standard operatic repertoire. Evening performances take place at 7.30 pm, afternoon performances at 2.30 pm.

Bangkok’s 11th International Festival of Dance and Music, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon, presents a performance of Giacomo Puccini's Tosca, an opera in three parts, by the Ekaterinburg Opera Theater from Russia.

Evening performances take place at 7.30 pm, afternoon performances at 2.30 pm.

Bangkok’s 11th International Festival of Dance and Music, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon, presents a symphony concert, performed by the Ekaterinburg Opera Theater from Russia.

Evening performances take place at 7.30 pm, afternoon performances at 2.30 pm.

Bangkok’s 11th International Festival of Dance and Music, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon, presents Giacomo Puccini's classic opera Madame Butterfly, performed by the Ekaterinburg Opera Theater from Russia.

This opera is the most performed opera in the United States and is considered to be a 'staple' of the standard operatic repertoire for companies around the world. Evening performances take place at 7.30 pm, afternoon performances at 2.30 pm.

Bangkok’s 11th International Festival of Dance and Music, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon, presents Georges Bizet's classic Carmen, an opera comique performed by Kiev Modern Ballet Theater from the Ukraine.

Evening performances take place at 7.30 pm, afternoon performances at 2.30 pm.

Bruce Gaston and Somtow Sucharitkul, in tandem with the Siam Philharmonic Orchestra and Fong Naam, will be creating a 'meta-symphony', “right in front of your very eyes”, by generating music woven “out of the very fabric of Bangkok's newest hub of creativity”, according to the organizer.

The composition has been designed specifically for Bangkok's BACC, using all the building's various spaces, shapes, and angles, according to the organizer. Bangkok: Twelve Incarnations celebrates “a city that is constantly reborn”.

In their first joint composition since 1977's Hexaphony, Somtow Sucharitkul and Bruce Gaston are putting together a year-long artwork, one movement or 'incarnation', as they are labeling it, every month, timed with the constellations of the zodiac. It's a new kind of art which could only have been created in Bangkok, the organizer claims. Part improvisation, part environmental music, part kinetic art, the work "is designed to be experienced live".

Once the 12 'incarnations' have been performed, the work will be collected into “a gargantuan video set”, according to the organizer.
 
The so-called 'meta-symphony' can be experienced from many vantage points in the BACC, but the organizer recommends the lobby or one of the balconies. Donations will be accepted for the Bangkok Opera HIV Awareness Project. The first incarnation is inspired by the constellation Virgo. The program will begin at 7 pm.