There are six main tribes in the hills above Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai - the Karen,  Lisu, Mien, Lahu, Akha and Hmong. Their music is the soundtrack to the cycle of life, courtship, joy and sadness.

Music is the door to their spirit world.

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My first goal is to record their songs, the melodies and rhythms; the field songs and street chatter, the sounds of the farms and woodlands.  

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My other goal, of course, is to show that Thailand is open to wheelchair travelers like me.

I will be traveling by air, train, taxi and 4-wheel drive. We will be ‘off road’ for 8 days. 

My dad, Peter, photographer and film-maker is my support crew. He carried out a recce in March.

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With our guide Pat Hommeang Mongkron we will head up to the hills above Chiang Mai. Photographer Pat, is the founder of Thailand Hilltribe Holidays.

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 The project will conclude with the composition of new pieces for orchestra – and electronic; 

the Chiang Mai or Hill Tribe Suite.