GASPS of awe reverberated within the walls of the Jerudong International School (JIS) Arts Centre Auditorium yesterday evening during the Concert of Royal Compositions, which was held to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Thailand-Brunei diplomatic relationship.

Present to grace the ceremonial concert was Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, the Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, who was received by Apichart Phetcharatana, Ambassador of Thailand to Brunei Darussalam.

Also present were YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, the Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara; Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Development; Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources; Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports; and Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, the Deputy Minister of Defence.

The event began with the performances of the Brunei and Thai national anthems, thus adding to the essence of the bilateral relations.

The rest of the evening was carried with musical pieces scores written by King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, which have been a source of inspiration, entertainment and encouragement to the Thai people.

The concert was conducted by Admiral Mom Luang Usni Pramoj.

The Concert of Royal Compositions has already been presented in 11 countries and is now making its debut in Brunei in the effort to enhance Asean cultural affinity through music.

Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna was presented with a pesambah by Professor Dr Apinan Poshyananda, the Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Culture, and a Royal Compositions album by Admiral Mom Luang Usni Pramoj. - Borneo Bulletin (13 September 2014)