Opera Siam’s The Silent Prince, a monumental piece by Somtow Sucharitkul, is reshaping opera by bringing it to unexpected island paradises and receiving critical acclaim worldwide.
Opera Siam, led by Artistic Director Somtow Sucharitkul, is redefining the operatic landscape with The Silent Prince, the first installment in the epic DasJati cycle. This ambitious ten-opera series tells the story of the Buddha’s ten incarnations, and The Silent Prince marks a pivotal moment in the world of opera. After successful performances in Houston, Prague, Brno, Bayreuth, and Bangkok, the production is now making its way to the serene island of Koh Chang, Thailand, a fresh and exciting venue that reflects Opera Siam’s innovative approach to bringing opera to new, unexpected audiences.
Somtow Sucharitkul’s career has always been about breaking new ground. As one of the few living opera composers with an internationally recognized body of work, Somtow has made a lasting impact on the opera world. He is known for his visionary leadership of Opera Siam, which has introduced a variety of operas from Asian composers and world premieres under his directorial guidance. While Somtow’s achievements span multiple disciplines, literature, music, and film, this article narrows its focus on his operatic masterpiece, The Silent Prince, and its role in Opera Siam’s continued evolution.
The Silent Prince: An Operatic Masterpiece
The Silent Prince is the first installment of Somtow’s vision to create an opera cycle that stretches the boundaries of classical music and storytelling. With seven of the ten operas already composed, The Silent Prince stands as the first in the DasJati cycle, a work that has been called the largest integrated operatic series in the history of classical music. Through these operas, Somtow tells the story of the Buddha’s ten incarnations, capturing the spiritual and philosophical essence of one of history’s most influential figures.
The opera’s journey began in Houston in 2012 and has since received critical acclaim in some of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including in Prague, Brno, and Bayreuth. Critics have praised the work for its bold exploration of both musical and spiritual realms, with The Silent Prince receiving high marks for its emotive score, innovative orchestration, and powerful performances.
Opera Siam’s decision to bring this landmark production to Koh Chang, an idyllic and peaceful island, marks a new chapter in the opera’s journey. Performing in such an unconventional venue underscores Somtow’s belief that opera should reach beyond the traditional stage and into spaces that offer new opportunities for connection and cultural immersion.
Somtow’s vision is clear: “Opera should not be confined to just one way of experiencing it. It should reach people in new, unexpected places. For us, Koh Chang represents a fresh opportunity to bring our work to those who may have never thought they could experience something as grand as opera.”
Bringing Opera to the Islands: A Bold New Direction
Opera Siam’s decision to focus its efforts on regional outreach is a bold and innovative one. In the company’s 25th year, Somtow is leading Opera Siam in a new direction, prioritizing performances in Thailand’s island paradises, like Koh Chang, Phuket, and Koh Phangan, rather than continuing the company’s extensive tours in Europe and America. This strategy is designed to connect Opera Siam with audiences in more intimate, non-traditional settings. Somtow emphasizes that the company’s mission is to bring world-class performances to places where they may not have been available before.
“For centuries, we’ve bought into the colonial mythos of Western culture,” Somtow explains. “But I’ve learned that Western music is as much OUR inheritance as anyone else’s. We have new things to say that haven’t been said in the West, and we are no longer here merely to learn from you, but also to teach you.”
By moving beyond traditional opera houses and performing in unexpected places, Opera Siam is reshaping the cultural experience for both artists and audiences. The intimate settings of island resorts create a unique atmosphere for experiencing opera, one that transcends the typical boundaries of the art form. This innovative approach to opera performance allows for a more personal and direct connection with the audience, bringing the operatic experience to life in ways previously unseen.
Global Acclaim for The Silent Prince
As Opera Siam’s The Silent Prince makes its way to Koh Chang, it continues to receive glowing reviews for its emotive storytelling and the artistry of Somtow’s composition. Critics have lauded The Silent Prince for its capacity to meld spiritual depth with musical grandeur. With its expansion to the Thai islands, Opera Siam is not only bringing its work to new audiences but also redefining the way opera can be experienced.
The Silent Prince has already garnered praise from past performances, with reviews from venues in Houston, Prague, Brno, and Bayreuth showcasing the opera’s impact on the global operatic community. The opera’s powerful story, composed by Somtow, has resonated deeply with both critics and audiences, further solidifying Opera Siam’s position as a leading force in contemporary opera.
The Future of Opera Siam and DasJati
Looking ahead, The Silent Prince is just the beginning. With Somtow’s DasJati cycle already well underway, the future of Opera Siam is bright and full of promise. The company’s continued commitment to bringing innovative and thought-provoking opera to audiences in unexpected places will undoubtedly shape the future of opera in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Somtow’s vision for DasJati, the largest integrated operatic work in the history of classical music, remains a monumental achievement in the making. With the first seven operas already composed, the full cycle promises to be a groundbreaking contribution to the world of opera, offering a fresh and deeply personal perspective on the life and teachings of the Buddha.
As Opera Siam’s journey continues, The Silent Prince will undoubtedly play a central role in the company’s ongoing mission to innovate and inspire. Whether performed in the serene landscapes of Koh Chang or the bustling streets of Bangkok, The Silent Prince is a testament to Somtow Sucharitkul’s dedication to breaking new ground in the world of opera and creating a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
To learn more about Opera Siam and Somtow Sucharitkul’s ongoing projects, visit Opera Siam or follow them on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates on performances, new works, and regional outreach initiatives.