This weekend, immerse yourself in the classical arts with a selection from Esplanade's Raga series. You may also want to try your hand at miniature clay art!
More details below:
1. Saptadvika – A music ensemble celebrating 70 years of SIFAS
A tribute to the 70th anniversary of SIFAS, Saptadvika is a unique carnatic concert featuring an ensemble of alumni and multi-ethnic local artists led by the gurus of SIFAS. The universality of classical Indian music is captured in the blending of traditional Indian, Chinese, Malay and Western musical instruments, and original compositions woven around the number 7 that showcase multiple-based ragas and thalas in a variety of flavours and colours.
When: March 24
Where: Esplanade Recital Studio
Entry: SGD 30
A form of Sufi Islamic devotional music originating from South Asia, Qawwali is part of a musical tradition that stretches back for more than 700 years. In recent years, Qawwali songs from Pakistan and North India have become a popular musical influence on the descendants of South Indian Muslim migrants. The enrapturing nature of the form, popularised by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and his contemporaries, has inspired many to incorporate its elements into worship and celebratory processions.
When: March 22
Where: Esplanade Concourse
Entry: Free
3. Miniature Kueh Platter with Miniature Asian Chef
This workshop will provide participants with an introduction to using polymer clay to make realistic Peranakan Kuehs in miniature and assemble them onto a mini bamboo tray. Participants will learn to mix clay, shaping, texturing, colouring and assembly.
When: March 23
Where: Itchy Fingers
Entry: SGD 120
4. Tour of ACM Exhibition: Raffles in Southeast Asia
This is the bicentennial year of Singapore’s establishment in 1819 as a British port by Sir Stamford Raffles, an official of the British East India Company.
Over time, Raffles has been viewed as a scholarly expert on the region, a progressive reformer, a committed imperialist, and even a plagiarist. Author of “The History of Java” and an avid collector of natural history and cultural materials, Raffles has been viewed as a scholarly expert on the region, as well as a progressive reformer, an imperialist, and even a plagiarist. This exhibition presents a multilayered portrayal of Raffles while presenting the rich cultural heritage of Java and the Malay world.
When: March 22
Where: ACM (Asian Civilisations Museum)
Entry: Free
In this production, Bharathaa Arts presents a dance production based on Chokkanadar Ula, which depicts seven images of the Lord Shiva in different ornaments and riding a series of vahana (chariots). Each image corresponds to a stage of womanhood.
Choreographed by Anjana Anand, this restaging features female dancers of different ages reviving the beautiful ancient literature through bharatanatyam. With music by Bhagavatulu Seetarama Sarma, ULA will transport you back to a time where the temple was the cultural centre of poetry, music and dance.
When: March 22-23
Where: Esplanade Recital Studio
Entry: SGD 25