AN ALUMNUS IN MUSICAL GLORY!

Bundit Ungrangsee, Conductor.

In September 2002 Bundit Ungrangsee was named Laureate and co-winner in the inaugural Maazel-Vtlar International Conductor's Competition, held at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The Maazel-Vtlar competition is the largest and most prestigious conducting competition in the world. The prize recognizes him as one of the top young conductors in the world, and first among the 362 competitiors in the competition.

Following Bundit's extraordinary achievement, he was soon appointed Cover Conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra for

President Emeritus Dr. Komolmas, President Dr. Saenghiran with Mr. Bundit Ungrangsee after his performance at Thailand Cultural Centre on August 14,2003. The President Emeritus and the President discussing conductor Mr. Ungrangsee's performance with other patrons at Thailand Cultural Centre.

the 2002-2004 seasons. Other invitations have followed, including guest conducting appearances in the United States, Italy, Seoul and Bangkok.

Born in Had Yai and educated in Bangkok, Mr. Ungrangsee was appointed Associate Conductor of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra in September of 2000. His previous posts included; Associate Conductor of the Utah Symphony, Music Director and Conductor of the Young Musicians Foundation (IMF) Debut Orchestra in Los Angeles; Apprentice Conductor of the Oregon Symphony under James DePreist; and Assistant Conductor of the Santa Rosa Symphony.

Bundit first showed his musical talent as a teenager whilst studying classical guitar in Bangkok where he attended Assumption College, Assumption Commercial College and Assumption University. At the age of 18, his world changed when he went to a performance given by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in Bangkok: he set his sights on becoming a conductor.

As Mr. Ungrangsee matured, he excelled in competition. In September of 1999, Mr. Ungrangsee was named winner of the International Competition for Young Conductors held annually in Lisbon, Portugal. In 2002, he placed fourth among 37 conductors from over 20 nations in the Hungarian TV-Radio International Conducting Competition in Budapest. His victory in the prestigious MazzeJ..Vtlar competition last year has cemented his status as one of the top young conductors in the world.

Among the teachers he recognizes as his main influences are world renowned conducting teacher Jorma Panula and Maestro Lorin Maazel. He received his Master's Degree in Conducting from the University of Michigan under Gustav Meier and Kenneth Kiesler. He completed two undergraduate degrees concurrently in Music Composition and Business Management at the University of Wollongong in Australia.

The Los Angeles Times has reviewed Mr.Ungrangsee as "commanding calm and poise", exhibiting impressive assurance on the podium. His reading unwound unhurriedly and clearly, the patchwork drama made cogent and all the details noted including pianissimo dynamics." The Charleston Post and Courier reviewed Mr. Ungrangsee as "display (ing) a sure touch" leading a glorious performance-a model of rhythmic drive, dynamic control and pinpoint accuracy", delivering a truly thrilling performance that left the audience breathless'. His reading, from beginning to end, was filled with deft touches that bespoke much attention to detail and phrasing:.

After hearing the New York Philharmonic in Bangkok 13 years ago, Bundit's dream was to become a world renowned conductor and to bring international acclaim to his native land. Now his dreams are coming true.