Following a two week break, I think we experienced all of the four seasons quite literally here in Chiang Mai. The storms during the middle of the holiday really made us aware of the nature and power and beauty of the world in which we live.

The same power and beauty was also shared with us on the first day back after the holiday with a stunning performance of Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’ by our wonderful guest international instrumentalists ‘Pro Musica’ led by Dr. Tasana.

We were treated to not only world class playing but an unusual arrangement of the ‘Four Seasons’ with Violin, Cello and Accordion. This instrumental combination performed in such a way that it would be difficult to imagine any other version or instrumental combination.

Given that the ‘Four Seasons’ were completed by Vivaldi in the early 1720’s, what a powerful statement that 300 years later our community of Prem, surrounded by nature, were able to meet and gather to celebrate the Creative and Performing Arts in this very special performance. I know Ajarn Laurent and Ajarn Pao Pao will have many lively discussions in class about the performance and how Vivaldi painted the images of the ‘Four Seasons’ through his music.

Thank you again to Dr. Tasana, K. Kittikhun and Victor… we will see you again very soon.

Christopher Johnson

Director of the Prem Academy of Music