Events & News
Chaipruck Mekara
Events & News
A selection of recent and upcoming artistic activities, including conducting engagements, festival leadership, guest lectures, performances, premieres, and international collaborations.
2027
February 18, 2027
Music in the Garden — Open-Air Concert
Role: Conductor
2026
Friday, 11 December 2026 · Chiang Mai, Thailand · Upcoming
Handel's Messiah — 2026
Dr. Chaipruck Mekara — Conductor
Ayu Namtep — Choir Director
Composer: George Frideric Handel
Presented by: The College of Music, Payap University, and the Chiangmai Philharmonic Orchestra
Venue: Henry R. Luce Chapel, Payap University, Mae Khao Campus, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Doors open: 7:00 PM · Concert begins: 7:30 PM
Admission is free. Donations are appreciated.
The College of Music, Payap University, and the Chiangmai Philharmonic Orchestra present George Frideric Handel's Messiah, one of the most celebrated works in the choral and orchestral repertoire.
Conducted by Dr. Chaipruck Mekara, the performance brings together the Chiangmai Philharmonic Orchestra, five participating choirs, and four vocal soloists for a collaborative musical celebration.
The concert features soprano Kingkarn Uprajong, countertenor Ong Ard Kanchaisak, tenor Puttawong Ekkapoj, and baritone Book Kitavadhana, with Ayu Namtep serving as Choir Director.
A pre-concert performance will be presented by the Duriyasilp Alumni Handbell Choir, conducted by Tawat Assawadecharit.
The concert takes place on Friday, 11 December 2026, at Henry R. Luce Chapel, Payap University, Mae Khao Campus, Chiang Mai.
Doors open at 7:00 PM, and the concert begins at 7:30 PM.
Admission is free. Donations are appreciated.
View Official Concert Announcement
College of Music, Payap University — Official Facebook Announcement
Vocal Soloists
- Kingkarn Uprajong — Soprano
- Ong Ard Kanchaisak — Countertenor
- Puttawong Ekkapoj — Tenor
- Book Kitavadhana — Baritone
Participating Choirs and Orchestra
- Duriyasilp Choir
- Naree Siam Women's Choir
- Dear Friend Chorus
- Chiangmai Thai Senior Choir
- Chiangmai Community Choir
- Chiangmai Philharmonic Orchestra
Pre-concert Performance
Duriyasilp Alumni Handbell Choir
Conductor: Tawat Assawadecharit
26–28 November 2026 · Chiang Mai, Thailand · Upcoming
Music in the Rice Fields 2026
Arranger and Conductor: Dr. Chaipruck Mekara
Presented by Saenkham Terrace by Chef Oan, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Public Dress Rehearsals
Thursday, 26 November 2026 · 6:00 PM
Friday, 27 November 2026 · 6:00 PM
Open to the public
Venue: Saenkham Terrace by Chef Oan, Chiang Mai
Private Concert & Dinner
Saturday, 28 November 2026 · 4:00–9:00 PM
Private event — not open to the general public
Concert begins: 5:00 PM · Dinner begins: 7:00 PM
Venue: Saenkham Terrace by Chef Oan, Chiang Mai
Dress code: Chic Black & White
Music in the Rice Fields 2026 brings together orchestral music, vocal performances, and the natural surroundings of Saenkham Terrace in Chiang Mai.
Dr. Chaipruck Mekara serves as Arranger and Conductor, leading the Chiangmai Philharmonic Orchestra in a programme featuring four vocal soloists: Teeranai Na Nongkai, Areeya Rojanadit, Disakorn Disayanon Kaljaruek, and Book Kitavadhana, who also serves as Music Director.
Presented by Saenkham Terrace by Chef Oan, the event offers an opportunity to experience live orchestral and vocal music in a distinctive setting.
Public dress rehearsals will take place on 26 and 27 November 2026 at 6:00 PM, welcoming members of the public.
The main concert and dinner on 28 November 2026 are a private event.
Artistic Team
Arranger and Conductor: Dr. Chaipruck Mekara
Performing Ensemble: Chiangmai Philharmonic Orchestra
Featured Vocalists
- Teeranai Na Nongkai — Soprano
- Areeya Rojanadit — Soprano
- Disakorn Disayanon Kaljaruek — Baritone/Tenor
- Book Kitavadhana — Music Director and Baritone
31 October – 2 November 2026 · Chiang Mai, Thailand · Completed
Chiang Mai Concert Band Festival 2026
Guest Conductor — Dr. Chaipruck Mekara
Public Concert: 2 November 2026
Venue: Harmony Theater, Nakornpayap International School (NIS), Chiang Mai, Thailand
Hosted by: Nakornpayap International School
Dr. Chaipruck Mekara served as Guest Conductor for the Chiang Mai Concert Band Festival 2026, hosted by Nakornpayap International School.
The festival brought together young musicians from Chiang Mai's international schools for an intensive weekend of rehearsals, workshops, and collaborative music-making, culminating in a public concert on 2 November 2026.
Working alongside professional musicians and music educators, Dr. Mekara guided the combined festival band, supporting students in developing ensemble skills, musical expression, and collaborative performance.
The festival celebrated the power of music to connect young people across different schools and communities.
Festival Highlights & Performances
View Festival Photographs & Highlights
Official festival coverage and concert photographs published by Nakornpayap International School.
Participating Schools
- Chiang Mai International School (CMIS)
- Prem Tinsulanonda International School
- Lanna International School
- American Pacific International School
- Unity Concord International School
- Panyaden International School
Dulabhatorn Foundation · 24 October 2026 · Chiang Mai, Thailand
Vivre String Quartet — Music for the Community
Role: Artistic Coordination & Performance Organisation
Dr. Chaipruck Mekara coordinated a performance by the Vivre String Quartet, from the College of Music, Payap University, with musicians associated with the Chiangmai Philharmonic Orchestra, at the Dulabhatorn Foundation's San Sai Luang Centre in Chiang Mai.
The quartet presented a selection of classical string music for children, caregivers, teachers, and staff, creating a warm and uplifting musical experience. The visit reflects Dr. Mekara's commitment to bringing live music beyond traditional concert venues and connecting professional musicians with the wider community.
Performing Musicians — Vivre String Quartet
- Apirat Praphanwong
- Krit Mekara
- Vichant D'Alto
- Natthapong Yutthanasirikul
Special thanks to the Dulabhatorn Foundation for welcoming the musicians, to all participating performers, and to Khun Tom Kelly for helping make the visit possible.
August 30, 2026 · Chiang Mai, Thailand
Music at Mango House — Community String Quartet Visit
Role: Organizer, Educator & Artistic Coordinator
A string quartet from the Chiangmai Philharmonic Orchestra visited Mango House (Elijah Foundation) for an informal community concert — bringing live classical music directly into the community, with musicians and children sharing music, conversation, and the evening together. Organized and coordinated by Dr. Chaipruck Mekara, the visit was designed not as a formal concert-hall performance, but as an opportunity for children to experience live musicians and instruments at close range, in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The evening brought together performance, education, and a shared dinner with the Mango House community.
Performing Musicians
Apirat Praphanwong · Krit Mekara · Vichant D'Alto · Natthapong Yutthanasirikul
String Quartet of the Chiangmai Philharmonic Orchestra
Special thanks to Mango House (Elijah Foundation) for welcoming the musicians, to all participating performers, and to Khun Tom Kelly for helping make the visit possible.
July 6–9, 2026
Thailand International Composition Festival 2026
Role: Composer
Featured Work: The Realm of Mong Zaae and FonLebs for Wind Symphony (World Premiere)
July 9, 2026 · Incheon, South Korea
ClarinetFest 2026
Role: Composer
Featured Work: Temple of Peace for Clarinet Alone
June 24, 2026
Life Long Learning Center, Payap University
Role: Lecturer
Topic: Music Composition with Northern Thai and Thai Inspiration
June 12–14, 2026 · Hanoi, Vietnam
CGIMF Prize Winner & Juries Concert
Roles: Festival Director · Clarinetist
2025
September 29 – October 1, 2025
The Chiangmai International School Camp & Concert Band Festival
Role: Guest Conductor
September 19–20, 2025 · College of Music, Payap University · Chiang Mai, Thailand
Helton-Thomas Duo with Mariano Manzanelli — Masterclasses & Recital
Role: Organizer & Artistic Coordinator
Dr. Chaipruck Mekara organized and coordinated a two-day visiting-artist programme at the College of Music, Payap University, bringing international guest musicians together with students and the Chiang Mai community through instrumental masterclasses and a public classical recital.
September 19 — Guest Masterclasses in saxophone, cello, and piano
September 20 — Guest Recital at CRK Recital Hall · Works by Piazzolla, Fauré, Goldstein, Elliott, and Connesson
September 4, 2025
Life Long Learning Center, Payap University
Role: Lecturer
Topic: Music Composition with Northern Thai Inspiration
August 13–16, 2025
Thailand International Composition Festival 2025
Role: Composer
Featured Work: Lmoon for Mezzo Soprano and Multi Percussion (World Premiere)
August 8–10, 2025 · Szczawno-Zdrój, Poland
CGIMF Prize Winner & Juries Concerts
Roles: Festival Director · Clarinetist
July 15–20, 2025 · Hanoi, Vietnam
Rising Stars International Arts Festival & Competition
Roles: Guest Conductor · Jury Member
July 11–13, 2025 · Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiangmai Ginastera International Music Festival & Competition (CGIMF)
Roles: Festival Director · Ensemble Coach · Clarinetist
Prize Winner Concerts, Jury Concerts, and International Masterclasses.