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Peranya Visitchantaragoon: Bridging Cultures Through the Timeless Sound of Thai Music Peranya Visitchantaragoon is a Thai classical musician, educator, and cultural ambassador devoted to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Thai traditional music. From her first encounter with the Thai fiddle (Saw Duang and Saw U) at eight years old to becoming a celebrated artist and teacher in Australia, her journey exemplifies how music can unite people, transcend borders, and foster cultural understanding. Growing up in Thailand, Peranya mastered various Thai musical instruments, but her passion for the Thai fiddle became central to her musical identity. Inspired by her teacher at Triam Udom Suksa School, whose dedication to Thai music left a profound impression on her, Peranya decided to pursue music professionally. Despite her family’s initial reservations, she practised tirelessly, eventually earning a place at Chulalongkorn University with a prestigious Royal Scholarship in Music Education. One of her most memorable achievements during this time was winning the Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn’s Cup award for three consecutive years as part of a Thai classical ensemble. Her band’s dedication led to their selection to represent Thailand in Japan, where they introduced Thai culture to international audiences. This experience ignited her lifelong mission to globalize Thai music. Music as a Bridge to Multicultural Australia Now based in Australia, Peranya is an essential cultural link for the Thai community and beyond. She uses her music to help children and adults connect with their heritage while sharing it with diverse audiences. Recognizing the challenges of accessing Thai music abroad, she became a teacher at a Thai temple school, designing lessons for all age groups and skill levels. Her teaching extends beyond technique, instilling respect for instruments, teachers, and audiences—values deeply rooted in Thai musical traditions. Many of her students have achieved national and international recognition, inspiring others to pursue Thai music and strengthening cultural pride. Adding to her performances’ impact is her use of stunning traditional Thai costumes, which not only complement her music but also highlight the intricate beauty of Thai artistry and culture. Through these, she brings the spirit of Thailand to life, captivating audiences while deepening their appreciation for Thai heritage. Cross-Cultural Collaborations: The Power of Fusion Peranya’s career is marked by groundbreaking collaborations, blending Thai music with diverse genres. She has achieved milestones such as winning the global Grand Prize Virtuoso 2022 competition in Vienna and London and creating contemporary Thai music for the Australian TV series The Bureau of Magical Things. Her BEMAC Live project with First Nations artist Dani Teveluwe showcased Thai instruments like the Saw U and Khim (Thai Hammered Dulcimer) in original tracks, highlighting the potential of cross-cultural music. A Life Changed by Music For Peranya, music is life-changing. “Music enables me to meet new friends, see things I have never seen, visit new countries, and heal my soul,” she says. Whether collaborating on HBO’s The White Lotus or teaching children to appreciate their heritage, her work unites communities and fosters multicultural pride. Through passion and perseverance, Peranya continues to enrich Australia’s cultural landscape, proving music’s power to bring people together. Short version: Peranya Visitchantaragoon is a Thai classical musician, instrumentalist, composer, and music educator with over ten years of experience performing on popular television programs and teaching Thai classical music in her home country of Thailand, Germany, Italy and Australia. She is based in Brisbane, bringing her talents and passion for music to new audiences through her performances and teachings. She holds Bachelors's and Masters's degrees in Music Education with First-Class Honours, majoring in Thai Fiddle and Thai Hammered Dulcimer, from the prestigious Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. Peranya’s exceptional talent and dedication to her craft have earned her numerous accolades and recognitions throughout her career. She has received awards for outstanding musical performances, including first prize in the global “Grand Prize Virtuoso” competition in Vienna, Austria and London, England. Peranya's performances are a testament to her skill and love for music. Her ability to fuse traditional Thai melodies with modern influences creates a unique and captivating sound you can experience when she takes the stage.