| On October 23, 2008 at the main auditorium of Chulalongkorn University, the Faculty of Arts in collaboration with the French Embassy, the Thai Association of French Teachers, the Government Public Relations Department and the Bangkok Combined Choir and Orchestra held a memorial Concert “Galyani Karawalai” in commemoration of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra and her significant contributions to the country and the people in numerous fields including French studies. Her Royal Highness graciously assumed the position of special lecturer of French in the Department of Western Languages, where she taught from the year 1952 until 1958. The courses she instructed were French conversation for sophomores, French culture for juniors, and French literature for seniors.
The concert started with a welcome speech by Assistant Professor Dr. Prapot Assavavirulhakarn, Dean of the Faculty of Arts. This was followed by an opening address by His Excellency Mr.Laurent Bili, Ambassador of the Republic of France. Associate Professor Surapeepan Chatraporn, chairperson of the organizing committee of the Faculty of Arts, and Ajarn William Handrich teamed up as MCs. while Ajarn Bhanbhassa Dhubthien acted as stage manager and Ajarn Dangkamon Na-pombejra as script writer.
The performers included students of French from the Faculty of Arts and from various schools, invited soloists from overseas, and the Bangkok Combined Choir and Orchestra together with physically challenged singers from various Associations under the royal patronage of the late Princess. Associate Professor Charunee Hongcharu featured as Conductor and Music Director.
The concert was very successful with audience members crowding into a full house. Among the honorable audience were Dr.Suwit Yodmanee, former Tourism and Sports Minister, Khunying Khaisri Sri-arun, former Culture Minister, M.R.Chakrarot Chitrapongse, former Permanent Secretary of the Culture Ministry, Professor Emeritus Dr.Pranee Kulawanich, former Vice President of Chulalongkorn University, the Ambassador of Vietnam as well as the Ambassador of Czech Republic.
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