Join us for the Sonic Landscapes concert featuring the UCLA Music of Thailand Ensemble at the UCLA Fowler Museum Ampitheater. The UCLA Music of Thailand Ensemble is directed by Supeena Adler (UCLA).

The concert has nine selections. Nine is considered an auspicious number in Thai culture because the sound of the word ‘nine’ in Thai (Kaaw/เก้า/ก้าว) means to move forward. 

1. Homrong Aiyaret: An overture to the god Indra’s elephant Aiyaret. The elephant is Thai culture is a symbol of protection and power, so we begin with this overture to ensure an auspicious event for everyone.  
2. Khaek Baurathet: The lyrics of this song describe the Triple Gems of Buddhism: Buddha, Dharma, and the Sangkha.
3. Lotus Dance: The lotus appears as an important symbol in both animist and Buddhist rituals in Thailand and a symbol of respect and humility.
4. Dance for the Angels (Thep Banthueng): The lyrics describe the dancers giving their body as an offering to the gods.
5. Lao Siang Thian: The song describes the character Bussaba from the epic story Inao who is offering a candle, incense, and a flower to implore the spirits to help Inao fall in love with her.
6. Manora Buchayan: A Southern Thai dance depicting a human worshipping fire and turning into a magical bird.
7. Phuthai Sam Phao: A Northeast Thai (Isaan) song describing different tribes of the Phuthai ethnic group working together.
8. Sri Khothabun: A dance to worship a famous large Buddhist stupa in the Nakorn Phanom province.
9. Faun Eun Khwan: This song describes part of the Thai Lao string-tying ritual that calls the souls back into the body in times of transition.

The concert is part of "Teaching Histories of South and Southeast Asia through the Arts" K-12 Teacher Institute at the Fowler Museum. 

Cost : Free

Sponsor(s): Center for Near Eastern Studies, Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Ethnomusicology, Fowler Museum at UCLA