King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Royal Music Memorial Day at Chulalongkorn University: In Remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother 

Throughout the years, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, as the royal consort to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Royal Patron of Chulalongkorn University, has always shown grace and her kindheartedness to Chulalongkorn University. Their Majesties frequently attended important events on various occasions at the university. Beyond the royal graduation ceremonies, one of the most memorable events cherished by Chulalongkorn students is the “King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Royal Music Memorial Day at Chulalongkorn University.” 

King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Royal Music Memorial Day at Chulalongkorn University (or Royal Music Memorial Day), observed on September 20, was an occasion eagerly anticipated by Chulalongkorn students from the classes of 1958–1973, who came to appreciate the royal presence of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who regularly attended the event at the Chulalongkorn University Auditorium. 

His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen Mother, together with their son and daughters, personally presided over the royal music performances for Chulalongkorn students at the Ballroom Stage of Amporn Gardens. 

The origin of “Royal Music Memorial Day” started when His Majesty the King granted Chulalongkorn University faculty and students’ permission to have a royal audience in order to offer their best wishes on the occasion of the recent birth of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, born on July 4, 1957 (B.E. 2500). His Majesty the King received the students on September 6, 1957, at the Ballroom of Suan Amporn royal residence. Later, he instructed Mr. Santad Tandanan, the head of the university’s Western-style band at the time, to bring the Lai Khram Band to perform at Chulalongkorn University. The first Music Day at the university was thus held on July 16, 1958 at the university auditorium. 

Chulalongkorn University has enjoyed the special occasions when His Majesty the King, together with Her Majesty the Queen Mother, attended Music Day every year on September 20, except for the 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 8th celebrations when the date was changed due to conflict of royal schedules. Their Majesties attended a total of 15 Music Day events from 1958–1973, except in 1962 when they were on official visits abroad. 

The last Royal Music Memorial Day attended by Their Majesties was on Thursday, September 20, 1973 at the Chulalongkorn University Auditorium. 

On those occasions, Chulalongkorn students had the unique opportunity to receive Their Majesties closely, listen to music performed by His Majesty the King together with the A.S. Friday Band and CU Band, and hear a royal address. On certain occasions, Her Majesty the Queen Mother played the piano for students at their request and even urged the prince and princesses to sing and perform music for the students.  Her Majesty also expressed gratitude to students who assisted with university activities, such as receiving royal visitors or when the student club paid respects on the King’s birthday. 

At the Royal Music Memorial Day held on September 20, 1963, Her Majesty the Queen Mother played the piano and excused herself to the students since she had a cold and did not wish to make a full performance. Knowing the students were taking exams, she gave them her blessings for success and encouraged them to study diligently. 

Alumnus Anon Wongkasem, Class of 1970, recalled in the book “In Remembrance of Royal Music Day” that in the 1972 Music Day, the CU Band performed the royal composition “The Impossible Dream” (No. 43), composed in 1971) and arranged by Professor Santad Tandanan. It was sung by third-year education student Sitala (Ruangsiri) Nawamanon. Their Majesties were greatly pleased, especially Her Majesty the Queen Mother, who invited the singer perform at a royal audience and later on several later occasions, including at Klai Kangwon Palace as well as on royal visits to remote provinces. 

Although decades have passed, the Royal Music Memorial Day —the royal addresses and the music performed by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit—remain vivid in the hearts of Chulalongkorn students. The music and words continue to resonate clearly in the memories of alumni today. 

To honor the royal grace bestowed through the Royal Music Memorial Day, Chulalongkorn University holds a commemorative the Royal Music Memorial Day, every September 20 at the Chulalongkorn University Auditorium, featuring performances by CU Band and the alumni OCU Band, as well as charity donations to the Ananda Mahidol Foundation, following the tradition of the original Royal Music Day events. 

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Line