CU Clarinet Ensemble Brings the Sound of Thailand to the World
Chulalongkorn University has once again reinforced its presence on the global stage as the CU Clarinet Ensemble, the university’s flagship clarinet ensemble, was invited to perform at ClarinetFest® 2026, the world’s largest clarinet festival organized by the International Clarinet Association (ICA). The festival was held at Songdo ConvensiA Convention Center in Incheon, Republic of Korea, from 7–11 July 2026.
This marks the ensemble’s fourth appearance in the festival’s history and makes it the only university clarinet ensemble from Thailand selected to perform. The CU Clarinet Ensemble joined several other Thai musical groups in representing Thailand alongside leading clarinetists and musicians from around the world.
The ensemble’s performance on Saturday, July 11, 2026, beautifully reflected this year’s festival theme, “Local Roots, Global Connections.” The program opened with Der Rosenkavalier Suite by Richard Strauss, followed by Danzón No. 2 by Arturo Márquez, and concluded with the traditional Thai piece Lao Choi, presented in a special arrangement for clarinet ensemble. The performance was conducted and arranged by Wantana Tancharoenpol, the ensemble’s conductor.
The CU Clarinet Ensemble was founded by Associate Professor Choowit Yurayong, the ensemble’s Music Director, who developed the group from a small student clarinet ensemble into Thailand’s only large-scale university clarinet ensemble with a long-standing record of performances, competitions, and academic development. Supported by the Office of Art and Culture, Chulalongkorn University, the ensemble brings together more than 20 current students and alumni.
Over the years, the ensemble has earned international recognition, including representing Thailand at ClarinetFest® in 2013 (Italy), 2015 (Spain), and 2018 (Belgium). Its achievements also include First Prize at the Singapore Woodwind Festival (2014), a Gold Medal at the International Youth Music Festival (2015, Slovakia), and First Prize at the Thailand World Music Championships (2013).
Beyond the performance itself, participation in ClarinetFest® 2026 served as a world-class learning experience for the Chulalongkorn community. Current students, alumni, and faculty members from the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts traveled together after months of intensive rehearsals. Throughout the festival, they exchanged musical ideas, learned from internationally renowned artists, and immersed themselves in performances representing diverse musical traditions and cultures.
This international engagement reflects the vision of the President of Chulalongkorn University, Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, who is committed to advancing the university under the guiding principle of “Holistic Growth with Students at the Center.” His vision also emphasizes promoting arts and culture as a source of Thailand’s soft power, empowering students and faculty to showcase their talents on the global stage.
The university’s cultural mission is overseen by Associate Professor Yootthana Chuppunnarat, Vice President, who supervises and supports the university’s arts and cultural initiatives. Chulalongkorn University supported the ensemble’s participation through its Office of Art and Culture and appointed Assistant Professor Dr. Vitchatalum Laovanich, Assistant to the President, to serve as the university’s representative in supporting and accompanying the delegation throughout the mission.
From deeply rooted Thai heritage to meaningful global connections, the CU Clarinet Ensemble’s appearance at ClarinetFest® 2026 represents more than a proud milestone for the Chulalongkorn community. It is a powerful affirmation to the international music community that Thai musicians are ready to stand alongside the world’s finest artists and that Chulalongkorn University remains committed to creating opportunities for its students to grow and excel on the international stage.
