C asean Consonant

Who We Are

“Different countries we are from.

Different languages we sing a song.

Different musical instruments we play along.

Different, yet as C asean Consonant…

We are one.”

C asean Consonant, the one and only ASEAN traditional ensemble, uses the universal language of music to build a bridge that intertwines ASEAN countries’ heritages together and, hence, creates stronger bonds of understanding, friendship, and collaboration. Ten musical prodigies from ten ASEAN country are chosen to co-create captivating performances with traditional musical instruments in a series of C asean Consonant concerts. This project has become a platform for the young generation to develop, share, learn, and preserve the traditional music of ASEAN.

C asean Consonant has made young blood of ASEAN become more aware of the beauty of preserving their local traditions and, at the same time, respect the differences. Emphasizing the importance to preserve their traditional music heritage, they will find the way to craft out our ASEAN identity amidst cultural diversity.

What We Do

Create “ASEAN as one” identity amidst cultural diversity;
Create a platform for the young generation to develop, share, learn, and preserve the traditional music of ASEAN;
Preserve ASEAN traditional music heritages; and
Strengthen the ASEAN community and friendship beyond ASEAN member states with peace and harmony by using the power of traditional music

Meet Our Team

Music Director

ANANT NARKKONG

Music Director of C asean Consonant, Ethnomusicologist and Theatre Composer

Mr. Anant Narkkong holds 1st class honors degree in Thai Music from Chulalongkorn University and M.Phil in Ethnomusicology from SOAS, the U.K. He publishes a large number of academic works as well as fieldwork recordings productions. He leads his contemporary music group “Korphai” as well as compose music for many theatre companies. At present, he teaches Ethnomusicology at the Faculty of Music, Silpakorn University. Anant has served the C asean Consonant project as Music Director since 2015.

Conductors

MOHD YAZID ZAKARIA

Conductor and Music Director of Malaysian Traditional Orchestra
at Istana Budaya, Malaysian National Cultural Centre

The Maestro of Malaysian Traditional Orchestra, MTO, the orchestra that combines diverse music culture of Malaysia (Malay-Chinese-Indian-Arab). Mr. Mohd Yazid Zakaria devotes his musical passion to this outstanding MTO project and won all hearts of Malaysian audiences. He composes and directs various musical theatre and dance drama. He was awarded the most favorite composer of MPO Forum in 2007.

WATCHARA PLUEMYART

Conductor, experimental musician and composer

One of the young Thai talents in the avant-garde music circle, Mr. Watchara Pluemyart has experience working with different ensembles across the regions. He has taken part in “Young Thai Artist Award” Composition Competition and has been in finalists who received the distinguished prize for many years. His creative works have been performed at Thailand International composition festival (TICF), various sound installations and at music in the community projects all over Thailand. He also composes for many professional ensembles (especially Brass music).

Musicians

Brunei: SUKIRMAN SUGADTO

Mr. Sukirman Sugadto is a member of D' Finda Entertainment performing for various TV shows and programs in Brunei Darussalam. He has talent in various ASEAN percussion. He is the winner of Gulingtangan Battle on a Celebration His Majesty Birthday.

Cambodia: PESETH SART
Mr. Peseth Sart is a graduated music student from the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh. He grew up in a traditional music family playing various kind of musical instruments. He started his music lessons when he was 10 years old with his father. His international experiences are 2014 Osaka World Music Festival in Japan as well as ASEAN Traditional Ensemble as part of ASEAN Summit in Cambodia in 2012.

Cambodia: PHAN CHAMROEUN

Mr. Phan Chamroeun is a graduated music student from the Royal University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh. He grew up in a Khmer traditional music family. He has performed in leading stage throughout Europe and Asia.

Indonesia: AGUNG HERO HERNANDA

Originally from Sumatra, Mr. Agung Hero Hernanda graduated in music composition from Indonesian Arts Institute in Padang Panjang. Some of his compositions were performed in Poland “2014 BRAVE Festival”.

Laos: SINTHAVONG SENGMOUNTHONG

Mr. Sinthavong Sengmounthong is a music teacher at the National Arts under the Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism. Participated as a musician on Traditional Music and Orchestra of Asean–Korea from 2010-2015, as well as in France, Vietnam and the United States.

Malaysia: NOOR LEYZAM BIN ALI

Mr. Noor Leyzam is a professional full-time musician at Istana Budaya, Malaysian National Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur. He specialises in Malaysian traditional guitar. He has performed in many performances across the region.

Myanmar: WAR WAR SAN

Ms. War War San was a music student at Gitameit Music Center. Now she is currently studying for a Bachelor Degree at College of Music, Mahidol University. She plays both Western instruments as well as traditional instruments such as violin, viola, and “Saung Gauk” – Burmese harp. She is an award-winning vocalist. She sang for a number of films and TV programmes in Myanmar. One of her awards is the 2nd Prize for Myanmar’s Got Talent in 2014.

Myanmar: NANDAR ZAW WIN

Ms. Nandar Zaw Win started her ﬁrst harp lesson with well-known singer Daw Myint Myint Sein. She has experiences in harp performances across ASEAN and China.

Myanmar: THAZIN HTWE

Ms. Thazin Htwe is studying music third year at the National University of Arts and Culture in Yangon. Her specialized instrument is Myanmar traditional harp. She has been studied Myanmar harp since 2014. She got three medal awards for traditional xylophone and drum circle at National Performing Arts Competition. Currently, she has been studying Burmese harp with Aung Pyae Sone at Gitamiet Music Institute.

Philippines: MARVIN TAMAYO

Mr. Marvin Tamayo is a music teacher at UP College of Music / UP TUGMA, in the Philippines. He has been actively involved in ASEAN music performances, concerts, productions, and workshops in ASEAN.

Singapore: NIRANJAN PANDIAN

Mr. Niranjan Pandian is an award-winning and a versatile Indian Classical Flautist. He has won numerous national competitions and accolades. He was also awarded the prestigious NAC Arts Scholarship at the Lasalle College of the Arts. Niranjan is pursuing Jazz Music at the college while also composing original works for world music and Indian Fusion music while heading Brahmastra as the Artistic Director.

Thailand: KAMMATHEP THEERALERTRAT

Mr. Kammathep Theeralertrat is currently a music teacher at Shrewsbury International School in Bangkok. He won numerous awards in Thai music competitions including “2015 Ranat Ek Champion”.

Vietnam: LE THUY LINH

Ms. Le Thuy Linh graduated from Vietnam National Academy of Music with a certiﬁcate of excellence from the Ministry of Education. She is a member of Vietnam Traditional Orchestra. She has experiences in traditional music performance across the world including the World Economic Forum.

Music Advisors

Brunei: DADANG SUPRIATNA

Owner, D' Finda Entertainment Manager Production of D' Finda Entertainment

Mr. Dadang Supriatna is an all-round percussionist and a composer. He is currently an owner of D' Finda Entertainment company which regularly performs in various TV shows and at cultural programs in Brunei Darussalam and international festivals.

Cambodia: PROFESSOR CHANDARA YOS

Advisor to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts Cambodia

Graduated from Bulgarian State Conservatoire in Soﬁa, Bulgaria since 1994, Professor Chandara Yos was a former Dean of Faculty of Music at the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA) in Cambodia. He now serves the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts Cambodia as a cultural advisor.

Indonesia: DR. FRANKI RADEN

Director of Lokaswara Co., Ltd.—a company organizing international music festivals, art expos and cultural exhibitions in Indonesia, Japan, the United States, and Canada

Dr. Franki Raden is a prominent Indonesian composer, ethnomusicologist, and festival producer. He received the Best Film Music awards (Piala Citra) and founded INDONESIAN NATIONAL ORCHESTRA (INO) which combines musical instruments and every music system from all over Indonesia to be united as one unique orchestra.”

Laos: DR. DOUANGCHAMPY VOUTHISOUK

Former Deputy Director-General of Performing Arts Department, Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism

An expert in Laos Performing Arts, Dr. Douangchampy Vouthisouk has published several articles, essays on Laos traditional music and culture. He has participated in many international conferences.

Malaysia: MOHD YAZID ZAKARIA

Conductor and Music Director of Malaysian Traditional Orchestra

at Istana Budaya, Malaysian National Cultural Centre

Myanmar: NE MYO AUNG

Head of Myanmar Music Department and Librarian, Gitameit Music Center

Mr. Ne Myo Aung started his music education with Prof. Kit Young, a co-founder of Gitameit Music Center. He went to study Ethnomusicology at the University of Washington under the Fulbright Scholarship. He plays Sandaya, Myanmar-style piano in advance level.

Philippines: PROFESSOR DR. LAVERNE DAVID DE LA PENA

Dean, College of Music, University of the Philippines Diliman

Dr. LaVerne David De La Peña earned his PhD in Ethnomusicology, University of Hawaii. He is currently the Dean of the College of Music, University of the Philippines Diliman. He is also the Director of the University of the Philippines Center for Ethnomusicology.

Singapore: DR. JOSEPH PETERS

Specialist Professor, College of Music, Mahasarakham University, Thailand & Founding Director, Tremolo Strings Pte. Ltd. (Singapore)

Dr. Joe Peters had a dual career (Music and AV-IT) at the National University of Singapore (1971 – 2009). His speciﬁc contributions to ASEAN are the Field-to-Lab ethnomusicological research and documentation project "Sonic Orders in ASEAN Musics" and he also works as a liaison officer for ICTM (International Council for Traditional Music), a UNESCO project.

Thailand: ANANT NARKKONG

Music Director of C asean Consonant, Ethnomusicologist and Theatre Composer

Mr. Anant Narkkong holds 1st class honors degree in Thai Music from Chulalongkorn University and M.Phil in Ethnomusicology from SOAS, the U.K. He publishes a large number of academic works as well as ﬁeldwork recordings productions. He leads his contemporary music group “Korphai” as well as compose music for many theatre companies. At present, he teaches Ethnomusicology at the Faculty of Music, Silpakorn University. Anant serves the C asean Consonant project as Music Director since 2015.

Vietnam: NGO TRA MY

Music Lecturer at Vietnam National Academy of Music

One of the most successful modern Đàn Bầu artists, Ms. Ngo Tra My received various awards for her Đàn Bầu performances. She has been invited to perform for various international events in all continents including America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Her musical style covers both traditional and contemporary.

Our Journey

C asean Consonant Debut Concert in Bangkok (2015)

Supported by leading organizations, its inaugural performance “C asean Consonant Debut Concert” was held on 13 December 2015, at C asean Auditorium in Bangkok, to great success, with highly talented youths from 10 different countries selected to come together to showcase each of their country’s traditional instruments.

C asean Consonant Roadshow in Malaysia and Singapore (2016)

With support from Ministry of Tourism and Culture of Malaysia through Orkestra Tradisional Malaysia from the National Theatre of Malaysia (Istana Budaya) and Malaysia Tourism Center (MaTiC), with collaboration from the Office of Alumni Relations of National University of Singapore, “C asean Consonant Concert – The Sound and Spirit of ASEAN” was held in Malaysia and Singapore from 30 March – 9 April 2016. The kind support for the roadshow in Malaysia and Singapore was a vital force that brought ASEAN community together to celebrate our strengths as the region and enhance success.

Friendship Beyond Frontier Concert, Bangkok, Thailand (2017)

As a part of ASEAN 50th anniversary celebration, C asean Consonant had launched “Friendship Beyond Frontier Concert”, the first step of C asean Consonant 2017 performance journey. The concert was held on 7 May 2017, at C asean Auditorium in Bangkok and attended by ASEAN ambassadors and top executive delegates.

Shanghai Spring International Music Festival 2017, Shanghai, China (2017)

In collaboration with Shanghai Conservatory of Music led by a famous Chinese composer, Ye Guohui, C asean Consonant was invited to perform at Shanghai Spring International Music Festival 2017, one of the world’s finest international music festivals and the 2nd biggest music festival in China since 1959. The concert named “Friendship Beyond Frontier: The Harmonious Spirit of China-ASEAN” was successfully held on 14-15 May 2017 at He Lvting Concert Hall, Shanghai Conservatory of Music. The concert, played with China and ASEAN traditional instruments and conducted by world-class conductor, Cai Jindong, had presented both ASEAN classic songs and contemporary songs composed by Chinese composers. C asean Consonant not only provided audiences to experience the beauty of ASEAN music and learn from China-ASEAN music exchanges but also deepened the relationship between China and ASEAN.

ASEAN – China Music Week 2017, Nanning, Guangxi, China (2017)

In collaboration with Guangxi Arts University led by well-known composers and China-ASEAN Music Week Artistic Director, Zhong Juncheng, C asean Consonant was invited to perform at 2 crucial occasions for the 6th China - ASEAN Music Week 2017, China’s 3rd most important music festival. The first performance was held at the opening ceremony of the 6th ASEAN – China Music Week 2017 on 25 May 2017 at Guangxi Concert Hall and full concert presented ASEAN classic songs and new compositions by Chinese composers held on 27 May 2017 at Guangxi Arts University hall. C asean Consonant had enjoyed tremendous success on the continuous deepening of ASEAN-China friendship and cooperative relations.

The 50th Anniversary Celebration of ASEAN, Jakarta, Indonesia (2017)

C asean Consonant had been honored and invited to become the main performance to celebrate the 50thanniversary of ASEAN. The ensemble had performed in front of the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Le Luong Minh, and all executive delegates in ASEAN@50: Celebrating the People’s Community at the ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta, Indonesia on 11 August 2017. The performance has also strengthened ASEAN countries’ heritage and created a stronger bond of understanding and friendship between ASEAN countries.

ASEAN-EU Anniversary Concert, Jakarta, Indonesia (2017)

In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations, 50th Anniversary of ASEAN and 60th years since the establishment of the European Economic Community, C asean Consonant was invited to perform at the first-ever ASEAN-EU Anniversary Concert on 12 September 2017 at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski in Jakarta as an official celebration commemorating the long-standing inter-regional relations between ASEAN and EU.

C asean Consonant Concert for Bangkok Art Biennale 2018, Bangkok, Thailand (2018)

Bangkok Art Biennale 2018 was the international festival of contemporary art that brought 75 artists from Thailand and around the world to exhibit their works of art in different venues and landmarks in Bangkok. As music is a form of art, C asean Consonant, the one and the only traditional musical ensemble in ASEAN, was proud to be a part of Bangkok Art Biennale Official Reception on 17 October 2018 at Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall to perform in front of the world artists.

C asean Consonant for ASEAN Cultural Year Press Conference, Bangkok, Thailand (2019)

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of Thailand launched “ASEAN Cultural Year 2019” at Government House, as Thailand took its turn as ASEAN Chair to promote cultural cooperation among ASEAN Members. Representatives from ASEAN member states and international diplomats joined the launch in Bangkok, kicking off a year-long exhibition of cultural events. C asean Consonant’s musicians from Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam performed “Chang” (Elephant) song, a classical Thai song, at the Press Conference on 4 February 2019.

C asean Consonant for Official Opening Ceremony of the 34th ASEAN Summit, Bangkok, Thailand (2019)

Thailand was the Chair of ASEAN in 2019 and host of the Thirty-Fourth ASEAN Summit. It is announced under the theme of “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability” and coincided with ASEAN Cultural Year 2019. The Meeting attached importance to ASEAN awareness-raising and the promotion of an ASEAN identity among the people of the region. C asean Consonant, as one of the region’s arts and cultural ambassador by enhancing understanding, strengthening friendships, and promoting appreciation of an ASEAN identity, was honored to perform the ASEAN Anthem, “The ASEAN Way,” to officially launch the opening ceremony on 23 June 2019 at the Athenee Hotel Bangkok.

The Inauguration of the ASEAN Secretariat's New Building and the 52nd ASEAN day, Jakarta, Indonesia (2019)

The Inauguration of the new ASEAN Secretariat building was followed by the celebration of the 52nd anniversary of ASEAN featuring remarks from H.E. Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General of ASEAN and performance from C asean Consonant on 8th August 2019.

The Official Music Videos of “The ASEAN Way” and “ASEAN as One” presented during the first ever Virtual Celebration of the 53rd ASEAN Day (2020)

Due to the COVID-19 situation, the ASEAN Secretariat celebrates the 53rd Anniversary of ASEAN in the form of online celebration for the very first time to show regional resilience towards COVID-19 situations and the effort to work together to bring joy of ASEAN Day to people virtually. On this occasion, C asean Consonant was honored to be invited by the ASEAN Secretariat to be a part of this online celebration by co-creating the official music videos of “The ASEAN Way”, the anthem of ASEAN, and “ASEAN as One”, an original song composed by C asean Consonant. Over a thousand audiences participated in this first ever virtual celebration of the anniversary of ASEAN, including high-level government officials across ASEAN member states and dialogue partners and general public.

Since then, both music videos have proudly been showcased at countless of domestic, regional, and international events, both virtually and onsite. Some prominent examples include ASEAN Day 2020 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, the 13th China International Youth Arts Festival (2020), the 54th ASEAN Day Online Celebration ASEAN Anniversary by the ASEAN Secretariat (2021), the 54th Virtual flag Raising Ceremony by Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines (2021), ASEAN Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai (2021), and many more.

ASEAN Traditional Music Challenge (2021)

“ASEAN Traditional Music Challenge” is an online series of 10 ASEAN traditional music performances with knowledge performed by C asean Consonant musicians joined forces with their families & friends in celebration of the 54th ASEAN Anniversary. The series had been virtually broadcasted at C asean Consonant’s official Facebook and YouTube to showcase different sounds, one harmonious soul of ASEAN through music.