The Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music is situated in a vibrant and rich cultural neighbourhood called Bang Yi Khan. Located next to the Chao Phraya River on Thonburi, it is a short distance to major cultural and historical heritage sites in Bangkok such as the Grand Palace, Sanam Luang, National Theatre, National Museum, National Library, as well as ‘Khaosan Road’—one of top tourist attractions in Thailand. Moreover, ‘Rama VIII park’, a popular green public space and a rare pocket of quiet in Bangkok, is also right next to the Institute, providing an opportunity for the students to spend their leisure time doing exercise, yoga, or jogging, and also hold informal performances for the local community. Here at PGVIM, our students can enjoy making music within an environment where culture meets nature. Bang Yi Khan District is also full of stories and tales from the past and was a domicile to several important people in Thai history, including several masters of Thai traditional music. The story and history of Bang Yi Khan is well documented by the research team of the Institute and can be seen at the permanent exhibition in the Gita Rajanagarinda Building. The Institute has continuously worked to connect with the community through our unique Education Populaire Project ‘Bang Yi Khan Chorus’, in which students from schools in the surrounding area join the Institute to make music. With ‘Education Populaire,’ faculty, university students, and young children make music together in an environment where no boundaries between people exist.
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VIBRANT COMMUNITY
