Nat Yontararak
Encyclopedia
Nat Yontararak born 1954, is a Thai
classical
pianist
, composer
and music teacher.
and studied at Bangkok Christian College
. He started learning piano at the age of nine and became a student of Pantipa Treepoonpol.
He won the first prize in the first Siam Music Festival in 1971 when he was 16.
For college, he attended Chulalongkorn University
, and graduated with a degree from the Faculty of Architecture
.
He continued with music for his graduate studies, attending Goldsmiths College in London
. He won a scholarship and a British Council
support grant for further study in Piano Performance at the University of Reading
. He also received a grant from H.H. Princess Sudasiri Sobha.
He returned to Thailand in 1983 and set up his own studio and music school.
In addition to teaching and composing, he regularly gives concerts, both in Thailand and abroad.
Among his works is the piano sonata
, "Glory to Our Great Kings", which was presented at the United Nations
as part of the commemoration of the 50th session of the UN General Assembly in October 1995.
He was given the Silpathorn Award
for Thai contemporary artists in 2006.
Nat Yontararak married Wongdeaun Indharavud (Pa-Wongdeaun Yontararak), who performed the leading role in Vichit Kounavudhi
's 1978 drama - First Wife (Mia Luang) and Suwat Woradilok
's 1979 film - Son of the Slave (Look Thas). Wongdeaun Indharavud is the great-granddaughter of Chao Keo Naovarat
, the last king of Lanna
.
Thai people
The Thai people, or Siamese, are the main ethnic group of Thailand and are part of the larger Tai ethnolinguistic peoples found in Thailand and adjacent countries in Southeast Asia as well as southern China. Their language is the Thai language, which is classified as part of the Kradai family of...
classical
Classical music
Classical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times...
pianist
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
, composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
and music teacher.
Biography
Nat was born in BangkokBangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
and studied at Bangkok Christian College
Bangkok Christian College
Bangkok Christian College is a private boys' school in Bangkok and the oldest school in Thailand. It was established on 30 September 1852 by American Presbyterian missionaries. It offers a standard educational curriculum...
. He started learning piano at the age of nine and became a student of Pantipa Treepoonpol.
He won the first prize in the first Siam Music Festival in 1971 when he was 16.
For college, he attended Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University is the oldest university in Thailand and is the country's highest ranked university. It now has nineteen faculties and institutes. Regarded as the best and most selective university in Thailand, it consistently attracts top students from around the country...
, and graduated with a degree from the Faculty of Architecture
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
.
He continued with music for his graduate studies, attending Goldsmiths College in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. He won a scholarship and a British Council
British Council
The British Council is a United Kingdom-based organisation specialising in international educational and cultural opportunities. It is registered as a charity both in England and Wales, and in Scotland...
support grant for further study in Piano Performance at the University of Reading
University of Reading
The University of Reading is a university in the English town of Reading, Berkshire. The University was established in 1892 as University College, Reading and received its Royal Charter in 1926. It is based on several campuses in, and around, the town of Reading.The University has a long tradition...
. He also received a grant from H.H. Princess Sudasiri Sobha.
He returned to Thailand in 1983 and set up his own studio and music school.
In addition to teaching and composing, he regularly gives concerts, both in Thailand and abroad.
Among his works is the piano sonata
Sonata
Sonata , in music, literally means a piece played as opposed to a cantata , a piece sung. The term, being vague, naturally evolved through the history of music, designating a variety of forms prior to the Classical era...
, "Glory to Our Great Kings", which was presented at the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
as part of the commemoration of the 50th session of the UN General Assembly in October 1995.
He was given the Silpathorn Award
Silpathorn Award
The Silpathorn Award, , is an honour for living Thai contemporary artists presented annually by the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, Ministry of Culture of Thailand...
for Thai contemporary artists in 2006.
Nat Yontararak married Wongdeaun Indharavud (Pa-Wongdeaun Yontararak), who performed the leading role in Vichit Kounavudhi
Vichit Kounavudhi
Vichit Kounavudhi was a Thai film director and screenwriter. His works include the docudrama Son of the Northeast.-Early career:...
's 1978 drama - First Wife (Mia Luang) and Suwat Woradilok
Suwat Woradilok
Suwat Woradilok was a Thai writer. He produced a variety of works, including short stories, novels, plays, scripts for television dramas, radio dramas and screenplays. He had several pen names, including S. Voradilok, Phrai Visanu and Rapheeporn. He was named a Thailand National Artist for...
's 1979 film - Son of the Slave (Look Thas). Wongdeaun Indharavud is the great-granddaughter of Chao Keo Naovarat
Chao Keo Naovarat
Major General Prince Kaew Naovarat was the 36th and last King of Lanna and Prince of Chiang Mai, reigning from 1909 to 1939 . He succeeded Intavaroros Suriyavongse . His seat was within Lanna's capital Chiang Mai, but he never held any true administrative power...
, the last king of Lanna
Lanna
The Kingdom of Lanna was a kingdom centered in present-day northern Thailand from the 13th to 18th centuries. The cultural development of the people of Lanna, the Tai Yuan people, had begun long before as successive Tai Yuan kingdoms preceded Lanna...
.