Composer Somtow Sucharitkul was honored by the National Committee for Culture of Thailand for his achievements in the performing arts.

Somtow was among 12 National Artists honored this year.

“I feel very grateful and honored in my life,” Somtow said in an official release issued by News Directory 3. “It also opens many doors, being able to communicate with a wider range of people, sharing information about international music, and composing contemporary music is now very old. The most important thing is to pass on knowledge to the next generation.”

Somtow is the creator of such operas as “Helena Citrónová, “The Snow Dragon,” and a series of works in the “DasJati Cycle” that explore the 10 lives of Buddha;  seven of the 10 parts have been produced to date.

In addition to his composition, he founded the Bangkok Opera, Siam Philharmonic Orchestra, and Siam Sinfonietta. He is also an author and consultant on Todd Field’s “Tár.”