Bangkok 's 25th International Festival of Dance and Music will take place over eight weeks from Sep 2-Oct 22 at the Thailand Cultural Center, and this year boasts some truly astounding acts—from West Side Story to a performance of Dream of the Red Chamber from the Shanghai Yue Opera. Check below for showtimes, tickets, and tidbits about the upcoming shows in September and October. 

Zubin Mehta and Symphony Orchestra of Maggio Musicale Fiorentino

What: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36 (Fatum) and Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74 (Pathétique). Legendary Indian conductor Zubin Mehta works with the Symphony Orchestra of Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.

When: September 2, 7pm

Where: Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre

Tickets: B2,000-B10,000

Aida by Helikon Opera

What: Aida from Giuseppe Verdi in 1870 is a libretto of betrayal and freedom in ancient Egypt. This performance will include a cast of 150 including the orchestra, chorus, and sets with the Helikon Opera from Russia, featuring three world-class singers: Elena Mikhailenko, Aleksey Isaev, and Ivan Gyngazov.  

When: September 9, 7pm.

Where: Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre

Tickets: B1,800-B6,000

Carmen by Granada Flamenco Ballet

What: One of the all-time great four-act operas, written in 1875 by Georges Bizet, Carmen (and in particular Habanera) is an unforgettable performance. In Bangkok, it’ll be played by the Granada Flamenco Ballet, Granada’s global flamenco ambassadors. 

When: September 15, 7pm

Where: Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre

Tickets: B1,500-B3,000

Dance for Me by Granada Flamenco Ballet

What: If you missed them on Friday, return to see the Granada Flamenco Ballet on Saturday for a performance of Dance for Me, a mix of the Andalusian performing arts, rooted in Moorish and Spanish creative traditions.

When: September 16, 7pm. 

Where: Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre

Tickets: B1,500-B3,000

The Roots by Cie Accrorap

What: It’s not all classical music and opera. This French hip-hop and contemporary dance with Cie Accrorap is an 11-man acrobatic dance celebration. Look forward to breakdancing, popping and locking, and acrobatic moves. 

When: September 23, 7pm.

Where: Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre

Tickets: B1,500-B3,000

Swan Lake by Les Ballets de Monte Carlo

What: Tchaikovsky’s most famous work comes alive with the Les Ballet de Monte Carlo, the tragic love of the Prince and his White Swan. All three acts will take place with Monaco’s national ballet company.

When: September 30, 7pm / October 1, 7pm. 

Where: Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre

Tickets: B1,800-B4,500
 

West Side Story

What: For the theater fans, this is the one. This play will include the original choreography from legendary dancer and director Jerome Robbins and a troupe of American actors, and the set is being shipped from New York to Thailand. Back in the public imagination thanks to Steven Spielberg’s adaptation in 2021, this performance is being held in recognition of the 90th anniversary of Thai-US relations. While in town, the event will include a student outreach program and voice and dance masterclasses on Oct 3 at International School Bangkok.

When: October 5, 7pm / October 6, 7pm / October 7, 2:30pm and 7pm / October 8, 2:30pm and 7pm

Where: Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre

Tickets: B1,800-B7,500

Gala Performance by Stuttgart Ballet

What: With classics from Romeo and Juliet to Don Quixote, the Stuttgart Ballet, which dates back to 1609, will be putting on an award-winning collection from one of the world’s most well-renowned ballet companies. 

When: October 12, 7pm. 

Where: Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre

Tickets: B1,800-B5,000

The Magnificent Six

What: Things get magical with six female illusionists and magicians who will perform together for the first time ever with just 10 days of prep time. The show will be choreographed in Bangkok by the president of the International Magicians Society, and will be filmed for TV.

When: October 14, 7pm.

Where: Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre

Tickets: B1,800-B4,000

Dream of the Red Chamber by Shanghai Yue Opera

What: One of the four great classic Chinese novels, Dream of the Red Chamber is an unrivaled literary masterpiece. The Shanghai Yue Opera has made over 400 productions, and this all-female cast will be recreating this tale of love, loyalty, and cruelty for two nights only. 

When: October 17, 7pm / October 18, 8pm. 

Where: Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre

Tickets: B1,800-B4,000
 

Anna Karenina by Eifman Ballet

What: For two nights, Tolstoy’s epic tale comes alive with the Eifman Ballet, choreographed by the esteemed Boris Eifman and set to a Tchaikovsky score for a fast-paced ballet about Russian society, duty, and unrequited love with Count Vronsky.

When: October 21, 7pm / October 22, 4pm

Where: Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre

Tickets: B1,800-B4,5000