The annual classical dance and music extravaganza returns—albeit in limited form

Having been cancelled last year due to COVID, the beloved annual showcase of the best of classical performance art is back. Bangkok’s 23rd International Festival of Dance and Music will be held at the Thailand Cultural Centre, from November 18 to December 16. The festival coincides with the opening up of the country and is perhaps a harbinger of the return of the city’s art and cultural activities. 

Understandably, it’s a shorter festival this year, with six performances, but they are all as special and exciting to the diehard dance and music fan. In addition to the live shows, the festival will also be streaming some of the performances online, particularly the ballets. Each of the streamed shows will be available for viewing online for one week. Here’s a complete rundown of this year’s festival:

1/6 Swan Lake

Showing: Thursday, November 18 at 7pm (live-streaming available); Friday, November 19 at 7pm

A classical ballet in two acts, Swan Lake is performed by the Russian Multimedia Ballet Theatre and features solo artists from the Bolshoi Ballet. The performance is supported by the Embassy of Russia.

2/6 Nutcracker

Showing: Saturday, November 20 at 7pm; Sunday, November 21 at 2:30pm (live-streaming available)

A classical ballet in two acts, the Nutcracker is also performed by the Russian Multimedia Ballet Theatre and supported by the Embassy of Russia.

3/6 Vivancos Live

Showing: Friday, November 26 at 7pm                            

Seven siblings form this multi-award-winning flamenco-fusion troupe.

4/6 Joseph Calleja & Celine Bryne

Showing: Tuesday, November 30 at 7pm.

The world-renowned tenor and soprano join forces for a powerful operatic concert with the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Konstantin Chudovsky. The concert is supported by the Embassy of Ireland.

5/6 Motion

Showing: Sunday, December 12 at 2:30pm

Witness pulsating hip-hop and exciting breakdancing by nine dazzling dancers. The show is supported by the Embassy of France.

6/6 Katherine Jenkins

Showing: Thursday, December 16 at 7pm      

The superstar mezzo-soprano singer from Wales will be performing with the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Inglis.

For those looking to view the shows in person, please note that the strictest of COVID measures will be implemented. Each of the shows will have half-capacity seating, and double-vaccination certificates are mandatory. For more information about the festival’s COVID measures, click here.

Book your seats now at thaiticketmajor.com.

For tickets to the online shows, visit zipeventapp.com.

For more information on the festival, visit bangkokfestivals.com.