Pradichaya Gafaae Poonyarit
Before she walked or even talked, Pradichaya Gafaae Poonyarit was singing. At only two years of age she was on stage and being heard in radio broadcasts throughout her native Thailand.
Growing up in Bangkok, she was exposed to, and loved, songs from both east and west. As a young girl she also learned about business from her parents, and these two aspects- music and business- were and continue to be what truly define who she is.
Attending school in the United States from her early teenage years on, she majored in opera and vocal performance. Soon after starting her family, however, she returned to Thailand to manage her parents' company. She became the Managing Director of their international import/direct-selling limited corporation and ran it very successfully for the next thirteen years, dealing with every aspect from advertising, marketing, sales and governmental compliance, and in the process becoming a well-respected member of Bangkok's business community.
Nevertheless, she also found the time to be a force in the Bangkok classical music arena, producing her own concerts, teaching voice at two of the country's most prestigious universities, appearing in several concerts and recitals (including several with the Bangkok Music Society), as well as being one of the predominant soloists of the newly-formed Bangkok Opera, which made its debut in 2001. She sang in that company's royal command performances the roles of: Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni, Miss Jessel in Turn of the Screw, Dido in Dido and Aeneas, and was entrusted with roles in two different world premieres. She was also invited to perform in the 2003 concert that marked the inauguration of the Thailand chapter of the International Wagner Society, presided over by Wagner's grandson, Wolfgang.
“...The absolute star of the evening...her magic was going beyond the madness of the role [of Donna Elvira] by summoning tones of exquisite beauty.” ( following Don Giovanni- Jonathan Richmond for the Bangkok Nation)
“She has a confident stage presence and formidable projection which were both put to memorable use.” (following Turn of the Screw- Dennis Kiddy)
She and her family returned to the US in 2005, and with Espresso Opera in New York City has performed the roles of Leonora in Il Trovatore and the title role in Adriana Lecouvreur. A firm believer that music nourishes our souls, her passion for music inspires her to do whatever she can to increase opportunities for musicians, provide music to audiences and nurture up-and-coming artists through any means possible. To that end, and using both her business acumen and love for music, she has formed La Coffee Melodie Suite, an organization devoted to those purposes.
Ralph Schatzki
Ralph Schatzki has always loved to sing and has been performing music for most of his life. A music major in college, he later attended law school and became a member of the Connecticut Bar. He then enrolled in graduate music studies and performed several lead roles in his school's opera productions. He later participated in apprentice programs with the opera companies in Miami, Sarasota and Chautauqua, culminating in receiving the Richard F. Gold Career Grant for singers.
He then began working as an attorney, but shortly thereafter moved with his family to Bangkok, Thailand, his wife's home. There, he began his third career as a teacher, working at an international school as an instructor in high school mathematics. He continued to sing, as well, performing many concerts, recitals and oratorios, and becoming a key figure with the Bangkok Opera when it was conceived in 2001. While there, he performed the roles of Don Giovanni, Amonasro (Aida), das Sprecher (Magic Flute) and three roles in two world premieres. He also performed the role of Scarpia (Tosca) with the opera companies of Malaysia and Singapore.
Returning to the United States, he has continued to perform, appearing with the Taconic Opera, Chelsea Opera, Center City Opera and Espresso Opera companies. He has also undertaken his fourth career as a freelance writer.
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