This weekend, explore the beauty of sacred traditions from different cultures at Esplanade's annual installation 'A Tapestry of Sacred Music'.
Devotees from the Gurmat Sangeet Academy will be performing kirtan on Saturday night, and you can also experience a guided meditation session on both mornings!
Head down to the Armenian Street Party at Pernakan Museum before the stretch closes for a facelift, or groove to local singer-songwriters at the Open Stage concert series by Esplanade.
1. Sikh Kirtans: Singing to the Divine
Regarded by the Sikhs as one of the highest forms of devotional music, the kirtan (meaning “glorification” or “praise of the divine”) is a meditative call-and-response form of chanting that is performed at every important occasion in all Sikh households.
Replete with devotional lyrics and gentle rhythms that clear one’s mind, kirtans establish a connection with the Supreme Being and are normally performed within the gurdwara (Sikh place of worship).
This presentation by devotees from the Gurmat Sangeet Academy at the Sikh Centre features North Indian instruments not often seen in public.
When: Apr 22
Where: Esplanade
Entry: Free
2. Mitwa – A Musical Evening with Shafqat Amanat Ali
Known as the Rockstar Ustad by famous Bollywood composer, Salim Merchant, Shafqat has won the hearts of many across the globe. The man behind everyone’s favourite songs like Mitwa, Dildaara, Tere Naina and many others, has won many awards and has rocked many international concerts.
The popular Coke Studio Pakistan singer is also behind the voice of many renowned hits such as Khamaj, Aankhon kay Sagar and Malua Tera Noor. Get mesmerized by his soulful and melodious voice that will sweep you off your feet throughout the evening.
When: Apr 22
Where: Esplanade
Entry: S$48-150
Awaken to mindfulness with this meditation session, guided by Joyful Garden Community of Mindful Living. This non-religious meditation session is suitable for all levels including beginners.
When: Apr 21-22
Where: Esplanade concourse
Entry: Free
Transport yourself back to those groovy days of the past. Turn up dressed in your most fabulous updo's, best batik prints, saris, and slinky cheongsams. Enjoy comedic performances, traditional games, and you can dance 'round the block all night. Grab tasty bites too – that come a mix of old and new local flavours.
When: Apr 21
Where: 39 Armenian Street
Entry: Free
Presented by Marina Bay Sands, Open Stage is a concert series where up-and-coming musicians from Singapore and Southeast Asia have an opportunity to showcase their talent.
Head down to the Event Plaza at MBS to catch live performances by Gareth Fernandez, Dru Chen and Priscilla Abby. It’ll be an exciting evening of back-to-back music performances, punctuated by Spectra – a captivating light and water show like no other.
When: Apr 21
Where: Marina Bay Sands
Entry: Free