Experience the epic grandeur of Leonidas Kavakos at Bangkok's grand birthday concert

Bangkok’s calendar saves its grand manners for early January, when the Royal Concert returns to honour Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya’s birthday. The occasion brings Leonidas Kavakos, a violinist spoken about in hushed, reverent tones, sharing the stage with the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra under Valentin Egel. Kavakos carries a reputation built on restraint rather than show, though the 1734 ‘Willemotte’ Stradivarius in his hands suggests otherwise. The programme opens with Glinka’s Ruslan and Ludmila Overture, brisk and theatrical, before Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto takes centre stage. After the interval, Symphony No. 4 follows, heavy with feeling and defiant spirit. Formal, yes, but never stiff, it’s the kind of night that reminds you why dressing up for music still matters.

January 7. B1,000-4,000 via here. Thailand Cultural Centre, 8pm