The Chiang Rai Youth Orchestra

In December Richard returned to his friends in the Chiang Rai Youth Orchestra, to take part in a festive concert. This is not the first time Richard has worked with the orchestra – over the years he and composer Bill Connor have revisited Chiang Rai, providing masterclasses and leading rehearsals for many concerts and events.¶

Richard has a long-standing relationship with Thailand; he was the composer on the Naresuan films, conducted a special birthday performance for His Majesty King Bhumipol Adulyadej, and is the director of the MAE Foundation, a charity that focuses on opening up musical possibilities for children in the refugee camps lining the border with Burma.¶