A Tapestry of Sacred Music 2021 - Esplanade Presents

Esplanade Presents
A Tapestry of Sacred Music 2021
1 – 4 Apr 2021
www.esplanade.com/tapestry

The past year has been a period of great change—a disruptor of our well-oiled routines and
best laid plans. For some, this is felt acutely through hardship, pain and struggle; while for
others it is experienced as a surreal shift in reality, requiring an acceptance of a new way of
living.

In a time like this, what does it mean to sing a devotional hymn, to recite scripture or chant a
mantra? These musical expressions of faith become especially poignant because they are
centring in nature, drawing us away from our myriad anxieties to a place of comfort, rebalance
and sanity. Amidst the shifting sands of uncertainty, it grants the feeling that we will be
protected and taken care of, or if we choose to, it allows us to pour our hearts to a higher
power. Much of this music has outlived centuries of strife and tribulation, and in hearing them,
a sense of constancy is invoked; a reminder of how we too, shall overcome the troubles before
us.

It is in this spirit that Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s A Tapestry of Sacred Music returns
this year from 1 – 4 Apr 2021, gathering different faith communities and artists who perform
music rooted in spirituality, in a secular setting. Together, their expression and artistry convey
hopes, reaffirms convictions and take our minds to higher contemplations. Though the
artforms may stem from different traditions and come in different flavours, the act of performing
them is a pertinent response to shared human experiences and emotions, in the face of our
present circumstances.

In this year’s festival, four evenings of chants and recitations will take place at the Esplanade
Concourse featuring Thai Buddhist chants, Mahayana Buddhist chants, Hindu Vedic chants
and Quran recitation. Do also join us for our yearly pipe organ performance by Isaac Lee at
the Esplanade Concert Hall.

At Craftsmen at Work, everyone is invited to observe an open workshop showcasing
craftsmen participating in a traditional craft. For the festival’s first ever Craftsmen at Work, we

have invited Albert Tay—the fourth-generation owner of Tay Guan Heng (Giant Joss Stick
Maker)—to hand-craft a motif of a dragon on a six-foot tall giant joss stick.

For now, even though overseas artists are unable to travel to Singapore to join us at our
venues, A Feather on the Breath of God: Parallels in Medieval Mysticism and Sufism at the
Esplanade Concert Hall will feature the music of Hildegard von Bingen, performed by
Singapore early music singers La Voix Médiévale and ney (reed flute) musician Kudsi Erguner
from Turkey. He will participate in a rich dialogue with sufi compositions in a pre-recorded
segment from his home in Paris. We have also invited five noted international artists who have
performed in previous editions of the festival to record short performances and greetings for
our audiences. These recordings by Nepalese nun Ani Choying Drolma, Turkish ney master
Kudsi Erguner, Shona mbira master Fradreck Mujuru, Baul artist Parvathi Baul and American
folk performer Tim Eriksen will be made available on Esplanade Offstage.

As with previous editions of the festival since 2017, the talks, workshops and live and digital
programmes remain free for everyone. A Tapestry of Sacred Music is made possible with the
generous support of Principal Sponsor The Silent Foundation. Help keep this festival free
by making a contribution at donation boxes placed around Esplanade, or donate online
through Giving.sg.

We once again invite you to come with open hearts, to convene in appreciation of the offerings
from our various communities. It is our hope that the music gives solace and nourishment in
these very unusual times.

Tan XiangHui
Producer, The Esplanade Co Ltd

Last updated: 15 Mar 2021

About Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Esplanade is Singapore’s national performing arts centre. It hosts a year-round line-up of
about 3,500 live performances and activities presented by Esplanade, its partners and hirers.
Esplanade also brings the arts virtually to audiences in Singapore and beyond, through its
diverse range of digital programmes on Esplanade Offstage, an all-access backstage pass to
the performing arts and guide to Singapore and Asian arts and culture, with videos, podcasts,
articles, quizzes and resources.

As an arts centre for everyone, Esplanade also creates opportunities for seniors, youth,
children and underserved communities to experience the arts. More than 70% of the shows
that take place each year at the centre are non-ticketed.

The centre works in close partnership with local, regional and international artists to develop
artistic capabilities and content, push artistic boundaries and engage audiences. Esplanade
supports the creation of artistic content by commissioning and producing new Singapore and
Asian work for the international stage. It also develops technical capabilities for the industry
nationally.

To bring even more of the arts to a wider audience and provide more platforms to support
Singapore’s next generation of artists, Esplanade is building a new theatre along its busy
waterfront. Named Singtel Waterfront Theatre, the 550-seat venue will open in 2022.

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is operated by The Esplanade Co Ltd (TECL), which is
a notfor-profit organisation, a registered Charity and an Institution of a Public Character. The
Charity Council awarded TECL the Charity Governance Award – Special Commendation for
Clarity of Strategy in 2016, and the Charity Transparency Award for four consecutive years
since 2016.

TECL receives funding support from Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and its
Community Programmes are supported by Tote Board Family, comprising Tote Board,
Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club.

Visit Esplanade.com for more information.

For more information, please contact:

Gina Koh
Manager, Marketing (Communications & Content)
The Esplanade Co Ltd
Email: kgina@esplanade.com

Tan Wen Rui
Manager, Marketing
The Esplanade Co Ltd
Email: twenrui@esplanade.com

Annexe
Esplanade Presents
A Tapestry of Sacred Music 2021
1 – 4 Apr 2021
www.esplanade.com/tapestry

A Tapestry of Sacred Music was launched by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay in 2009. The
festival offers the rare opportunity for everyone to encounter the beauty of these varied cultural
expressions practised by communities all over the world, in a secular setting. Over the years,
we have presented more than 36 religious denominations, as well as the sacred art forms of
56 different communities, creating a rich tapestry of some of humanity’s most affecting and
powerful musical expressions.

Since 2017, we have gone a step further and made this festival a completely free one for all
to enjoy, so that there are no barriers to this aural and visual celebration. Esplanade is a
charity and not-for-profit organisation, and this year, A Tapestry of Sacred Music is made
possible with the generous support of Principal Sponsor The Silent Foundation. Help keep this
festival free by making a contribution at donation boxes placed around Esplanade, or donate
online through Giving.sg.

Performances

Morimur: Bach's Secret Epitaph
by Brenda Koh (baroque violin), Choy Siew Woon (sop), Vivienne Tan (alto), Americ
Goh (tenor), John Lee (bass) and Phoon Yu (transcriber)
1 & 2 Apr, Thu & Fri, 7.30pm – 8.15pm
Esplanade Concert Hall
(Registration required)

Johann Sebastian Bach’s Partita no.2 in D minor for solo violin is considered one of the
greatest pieces of Western music ever written; with the Ciaconna—the epic final movement—
being its crowning glory. Composed in the year of the sudden death of Bach’s first wife Maria
Barbara, it was believed by some scholars that the work was a musical epitaph dedicated to
her; an expression of his profound grief. In the Ciaconna, the violin appears to quote the
melodies of various chorales with lyrics that speak of death and sorrow, and ultimately
entrusting oneself to the Creator in spite of all suffering.

Released in 2001, Morimur, an album project realised by The Hilliard Ensemble and Christoph
Poppen, explores these coded references by interweaving the encrypted chorales with Bach’s
harmonically complex violin Partita. The chorales are at first sung by themselves but voice
and violin converge in the finale as the echoes of chorale text swell and fade alongside the
violin.

Leading the listener through a journey of grieving, intercession and hopeful acceptance, the
contrast of voice and violin allows us to experience the compositions anew; as a heartfelt
memorial, and an expression of faith in the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting. With
an ensemble of an all-Singaporean vocal quartet and baroque violinist, come and experience
the melancholic and majestic recreation of Morimur: Bach’s Secret Epitaph.

About Brenda Koh
A baroque and modern violinist, Brenda Koh has performed in numerous chamber and
orchestra ensembles in Singapore. She has taken up principal positions in orchestras
including the Orchestra of the Music Makers, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Orchestra and
Peabody Symphony Orchestra. Koh was invited to play with the Australian World Orchestra
during their 2016 season as an Academy Player during their Singapore tour.

She has appeared as soloist and leader with the Baltimore Baroque Band at the Peabody
Institute, and is a recipient of the Early Music America Summer Scholarship (2019). Koh
performed with Tempesta di Mare, Philadelphia Baroque Orchestra and Washington Bach
Consort in the 2019/20 season. She is also a founding member of Singapore’s premier early
music ensemble Red Dot Baroque.

With an interest in developing arts education within her community, Koh has been actively
involved in community engagement activities that aim to share the joy of music-making with
the public. She has led the Community Engagement Team at the Orchestra of Music Makers,
and programmed outreach concerts and workshops in Singapore and Taiwan.

About Choy Siew Woon
Choy Siew Woon is a Singapore choral director, music educator and vocalist. She is the
conductor at several school choirs in Singapore. Her involvement in the Singapore arts scene
includes collaborations with Esplanade, Young Musicians’ Society, Magnetic Band and
Singapore Youth Choir Ensemble Singers, where she served as Assistant Conductor. Choy
represented Singapore in the Asia Pacific Youth Choir in 2011 and 2014, promoting and
performing choral music from the region. In 2021, she formed The Chorallective, a group of
singers and musicians focusing on chamber works and inter-disciplinary collaborations.

Choy was a Conducting Fellow at the Yale School of Music’s Norfolk Chamber Music Festival.
A recipient of the National Arts Council Arts Scholarship (Postgraduate) 2020, she is currently
enrolled in the Master of Music (Conducting) programme at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory
of Music, as well as the Master of Music Education (Choral Emphasis) programme at the
Westminster Choir College (USA). Choy hopes to integrate her understanding in both choral
and orchestral conducting, exploring how instrumentalists, choirs and artists in the Singapore
landscape can work together in fostering meaningful collaborations beyond our comfort zones.

About Americ Goh
Americ Goh began learning about composition at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, before
furthering his studies at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz. He is currently a
lecturer at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. Goh is a humble recipient of the National Arts
Council Arts Bursary (Overseas) and the Musikförderungspreis der Stadt Graz (2015).

About John Lee
Singapore bass-baritone John Lee was a semi-finalist at the International Handel Singing
Competition (2020) and made his Wigmore Hall debut as Marte in Handel's Parnasso in
festa for the London Handel Festival later that year. He was also a Voces8 Scholar, St Martin’s
Voices Fellow, Brighton Early Music Festival Young Artist, Iford Arts New Generation Artist
and member of Genesis Sixteen.

A lover of early music, Lee studied lute song with master lutenist Jakob Lindberg and has
performed as a soloist in Handel’s Apollo e Dafne, Messiah and Bach’s Mass in B Minor with
the Armonico Consort. Other soloist appearances include in Bach’s St John Passion with
Somerville College Choir; Ich habe genug with New Chamber Opera; and numerous Bach
cantatas with Royal College of Music Baroque Orchestra, City Music Society and Oxford Bach
Soloists.

About Vivienne Tan
Vivienne Tan is a final-year music composition undergraduate student at the Nanyang
Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA). She was a recipient of the NAFA Merit Award (Degree) in 2020.
Tan is currently studying at the Royal College of Music on an exchange programme.

Her compositional output is varied—she has written for various genres such as vocal,
orchestral, choral, ensemble and film. In 2019, Tan composed the soundtrack for the
film Cloud Forest, an award-winning documentary by students of Nanyang Technological
University. She currently sings with Singapore Youth Choir Ensemble Singers and the 5AM
Singers.

About Phoon Yu
As an organist, Phoon Yu is active in Singapore and the United States, having played in
multiple venues in those countries as well as the Netherlands. Recent concerts include his
performances at the Cathedral Church of St John the Divine in New York City, St David’s
Episcopal Church in Baltimore, as well as at St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the Concert Hall at
Esplanade. Phoon’s performance career is supplemented by his composing and arranging
ability, with works for various solo instruments and ensembles premiered in Singapore, China
and USA. Notable premieres include his Piece for Organ and Trumpet in 2017 and his
arrangements for Spot Pocket Opera Theatre’s The Silent Front project in 2020.

He is currently a C. V. Starr Doctoral Fellow at The Juilliard School under the tutelage of Paul
Jacobs. While obtaining his Masters of Music in organ performance at the Peabody Institute,
Phoon was awarded the Bruce R. Eicher prize for organ.

As someone who is looking to bring organ music—in particular the works of J. S. Bach—to a
wider audience, he has curated programmes where he has presented the works of Bach in a
new context, pairing them with new commissions of chorale preludes (a favourite
compositional form of Bach’s) by several Singapore composers, as well as using them to
bookend the premiere of composer Chen Zhangyi’s solo organ cycle The Seven Angels, with
animation and sonic reflections provided by audio-visual artist Planeswalker.

A Feather on the Breath of God: Parallels in Medieval Mysticism and Sufism
by La Voix Médiévale and Kudsi Erguner (Singapore/Turkey)
3 Apr, Sat, 5pm – 5.45pm & 8pm – 8.45pm
Esplanade Concert Hall
(Registration required)

“Thus am I, a feather on the breath of God,” wrote Hildegard von Bingen of her extraordinary
achievements. A 12th century German abbess, saint, composer, healer and Christian mystic,
she was gifted with visions throughout her life, and her works describe a visceral connection

to the divine. This concert features a musical dialogue between the songs of von Bingen and
the playing of master ney musician Kudsi Erguner. Erguner’s reed flute—the ney—and its
music is associated with another lineage of mysticism and theology— that of Jalal ad-Din
Muhammad Rumi, the founder of the Mevlevi Sufi order. In his writings, Rumi likened the cry
of the ney to the human spirit’s woeful separation from God. The instrument itself, a reed cut
from the riverbed, advances this metaphor further.

In this performance, the music of Hildegard von Bingen will be performed by Singapore early
music singers La Voix Médiévale. Kudsi Erguner will be participating from his abode in Paris—
in pre-recorded segments that respond to the music of the mystic abbess composer.

About La Voix Médiévale
With performances hailed as “mesmerising”, “inspired”, and “a marvel of beautiful voices”,
sopranos Catherine Herrmann and Katherine Wallace together possess over 40 years of
professional singing experience. Following a serendipitous meeting in Singapore, Wallace and
Hermann have collaborated to explore the beauty and balladry of ancient song, from medieval
chant and polyphony to traditional folksong and Appalachian part-singing. Revelling in modal
sonorities and close harmonies that show off their rich vocal timbre, while incorporating lute,
dulcimer, and percussion accompaniment, the duo aspires to engage audiences of all ages
with their original interpretations, bringing the rich emotion of the text to life through imaginative
scholarship and artistry. This is music that touches, heals and transcends time.

About Kudsi Erguner
Kudsi Erguner is one of the foremost ney masters in the modern world. He is particularly
known for his efforts in helping to introduce Ottoman and Sufi music to the world with a host
of internationally acclaimed projects and recordings. Erguner lives and works in Paris as a
musician, composer, musicologist, teacher and author.

Coming from a family of Turkish musicians, his regular contact with many famous musicians
from the older generation and involvement with various Sufi brotherhoods left decisive marks
on him. Erguner received his training directly from his father, Ulvi Erguner, who was also a
great master of the ney.

He has given concerts and played in major festivals throughout the world, while also
extensively researching the music of India, Pakistan and Turkey. Erguner has also been part
of a diverse range of music ensembles, recorded numerous albums and has worked with well-
known artists such as Robert Wilson, Peter Gabriel, Maurice Bejart, Carolyn Carlson, Peter
Brook, Didier Lockwood, Michel Portal, Tony Gatliff, Marc Minkovsky, Alexandre Desplat,
Bartabas, Sarkis, Marcus Stochausen, Nusret Fathi Ali Khan, Christof Lauer, Renaud Garcia
Fons, Michel Godard, Jordy Savall and Fazil Say. He has also released over a hundred works
that are dedicated to different aspects of Ottoman music.

Erugner has been designated as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) Artist for Peace since May 2016. He currently also works as a
professor at the Rotterdam Conservatory.

Pipe Organ Recital: O death, where is thy sting?
by Isaac Lee
4 Apr, Sun, 3pm – 3.45pm, & 5.30pm – 6.15pm
Esplanade Concert Hall
(Registration required)

Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, a chief tenet of the Christian faith.

But this day of great rejoicing is preceded by 40 solemn days of fasting, prayer and penance
known as Lent. These acts of repentance and mortification of the flesh—as practiced by the
believer—puts in greater relief the sacrifices of Christ.

How does all of this translate into music? How does organ music elucidate these Christian
doctrines, edify the listener and enrich the experiences of this season? From Bach’s poignant
passion chorale O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß to the victorious climax of Franck’s Pièce
Héroïque, join Isaac Lee for a retelling of the Easter story through organ music.

About Isaac Lee
Isaac Lee is an adjunct lecturer at Singapore Bible College and organ instructor at the
Methodist School of Music. He has previously completed a successful fellowship at Roskilde
Cathedral, Denmark.

Embracing his role as a performer and educator, Lee seeks to excite, educate and entertain
audiences through the Pipe Up! organ series at Victoria Concert Hall, along with outreach
work for the Singapore Symphony Group.

He recently completed a collaborative digital project Organ in the Time of Cholera under the
auspices of National Arts Council. In 2019, Lee held the role of Assistant Director at Organ
Academy Singapore 2019. He also serves as organist at St. Andrew’s Cathedral and
Queenstown Lutheran Church.

Sikh Kirtans
by Central Sikh Gurdwara Board, Gurmat Sangeet Academy
1 Apr, Thu, 8pm – 8.30pm & 10pm – 10.30pm
Esplanade Theatre
(Registration required)

Deep dive into the religious practices of the Sikh Kirtans. In this two-part performance,
teachers and students of Gurmat Sangeet Academy at the Central Sikh Gurdawa Board will
perform a prayer of protection and a contemplative simran—all featuring traditional Sikh
instruments like the rabab, taus and dilruba.

(8pm) Sikh Kirtan: A Prayer for Protection – Keeping the Faith
A Prayer for Protection is a supplication to the Divine for spiritual sanctuary from internal and
external worries and afflictions. It is a request to the Almighty to provide support at all times.
It is a submission to God, who recognises our anguish and protects and cares for all. Keeping
the faith, one is blessed with realisation and bliss.

The prayer is done in a series of raags that reflects on the message within the baani (prayer),
keeping the time of the day in mind. This combination touches the hearts of both the singers
and listeners.

(10pm) Sikh Kirtan: In Contemplation – Seeking the Divine
The simran plays a major part in the Sikh Kirtans’ remembrance of the Almighty. Through this
contemplation, one submits and accepts God’s will. The continued repetition of the naam (His
name) is to seek the Divine. In the simran, one internalises and adopts His virtues, sheds ego
and attachments to be in union with the Divine. One is exalted above the negativities of life
and is filled with love, positivity and stability.

This simran incorporates raags and taals that have been traditionally used for centuries.
These are all preserved through kirtan singing in the Golden Temple, India.

About the artists
S. Jatinder Singh and S. Gurminder Singh are teachers at Gurmat Sangeet Academy, Central
Sikh Gurdawa Board, who specialise in gurmat sangeet, a form of classical Sikh devotional
music. They are skilled in playing traditional Sikh instruments like taus, dilruba, rabab, sarangi
and saranda, both teaching and practicing kirtan in Singapore and India for many years. In
this performance, the duo will be accompanied by their students.

Qasidah: Voices of Devotion
by Firkatul Huda Lil Mawalidin Nabawiyah Wal Insyad
2 Apr, Fri, 6pm – 6.30pm, 8pm – 8.30pm & 10pm – 10.30pm
Esplanade Theatre
(Registration required)

Firkatul Huda Lil Mawalidin Nabawiyah Wal Insyad was formed by a group of friends who are
passionate about the recitation of maulid and qasidahs, Arabic forms of poetry in praise and
love of Prophet Muhammad. Inspired, advised and named by Maulana Sheikh Afeefuddin Al
Jailani, recitation of the maulid Ad Dai'baie by As Sheikh Abd Rahman Ad Dai'baie soon
began for the group. Starting from recitations at a different member’s home every week, the
group has gradually expanded over the past 15 years.

Taoist Ceremonial Arts
by Taoist Orchestra Singapore
3 Apr, Sat, 4.15pm – 4.45pm, 6.15pm – 6.45pm & 8.30pm – 9pm
Esplanade Theatre
(Registration required)

The first and only Taoist orchestra in Singapore presents a vibrant selection of music that
typically accompanies Taoist rituals, along with an energetic performance of wudang taiji,
otherwise known as Taoist martial arts.

About Taoist Orchestra Singapore
Lorong Koo Chye Sheng Hong Temple Taoist Orchestra Group was formed by Lorong Koo
Chye Sheng Hong Temple Association. In 2003, the orchestra changed its name to Taoist
Orchestra Singapore and applied for registration as a society.

Taoist Orchestra Singapore comprises members from the Scripture-Chanting Group and
Chinese Orchestra Group of Lorong Koo Chye Sheng Hong Temple. The orchestra primarily
serves temples and communities that require religious and ritual services for significant events.
In 2003, the orchestra released Immortal Delight, a four-CD set of Taoist music.

The Flamenco Mass
by Flamenco Sin Fronteras
4 Apr, Sun, 4.30pm – 5pm, 6.45pm – 7.15pm & 8.45pm – 9.15pm
Esplanade Theatre
(Registration required)

The power of flamenco meets the beauty of the classical voice. Misa Flamenca
combines Catholic high mass chants—sung by a classical choir—with appropriate songs of
the flamenco repertoire in a cadenza-like style. The guitar melds both aspects together as
dance becomes an extended movement of the written word. Presented in this performance
are three parts:

The Kyrie is respectful and serious, matched by the Caña, which is an old, deep tune
reminiscent of Gregorian chants.

The Credo is joined by the Siguiriya, a rhythm that explores deep-rooted faith and
indestructible conviction.

The finale comes in the form of Agnus Dei, which is complemented by Solea por Bulerias and
Alegrias, bringing a vibrant and colourful culmination to this artistic union.

About Flamenco Sin Fronteras
Flamenco Sin Fronteras is a flamenco dance company that believes that dance is more than
just an art form but a platform for individuals to express themselves freely and achieve artistic
excellence. It strives to inspire individuals through borderless artistic expression and
appreciation of the history behind flamenco.

Thai Buddhist Chants
by Monks of Wat Ananda Metyarama
1 Apr, Thu, 8pm – 8.30pm & 9.15pm – 9.45pm
Esplanade Concourse
(This is a pilot trial performance with up to 100 audience members. No tickets will be issued.
Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.)

Chanting is a part of the daily life of Thai Buddhist monks, who begin with morning prayers at
the start of the day, and end with evening prayers at dusk. They are also carried out during
special occasions, for the marking of annual celebrations, bestowing blessings on believers,
and granting peace to the departed. Experienced monks are expected to recite various chants
from memory—some are known to do so with discipline and speed, while others are known
for reciting beautifully.

Part of the repertoire includes a set of protective texts called parittas. Written in the ancient
language of Pali, parittas are believed to grant listeners protection from harm—physical or
spiritual—and bestow good fortune.

Join the ordained chanters of the Thai Monastic Community in Singapore as they present a
repertoire of calming and tranquil parittas.

Mahayana Buddhist Chants
by Shan Guang Buddhist Vihara
2 Apr, Fri, 5.15pm – 5.45pm & 8.45pm – 9.15pm
Esplanade Concourse
(This is a pilot trial performance with up to 100 audience members. No tickets will be issued.
Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.)

Han Buddhism was introduced from India to the Han Dynasty through the western region
some 2,000 years ago. As it developed in both northern and southern dynasties, many
Buddhists emperors had a large number of scriptures translated, giving rise to its study and
scholarly activity. The development of Buddhist patha music gained momentum and
eventually grew into a variety of genres that support the expression of faith through music.

Shan Guang Buddhist Vihara presents a programme of chants used in rituals for blessings
and funerals. They will be accompanied on instruments such as bells, chimes, dizi, yangqin,
drums, gongs and cymbals.

About Shan Guang Buddhist Vihara
Shan Guang Buddhist Vihara was founded by Rev. Hsiongcai who is ordained under the
Kempon Hokke Buddhist Order of Priesthood, which preaches an uncompromising resolution
through faith in the Lotus Sutra as revealed by Buddha.

The group comprises passionate people who have more than 10 years of experience in
Buddhist music. The Vihara regularly performs chants at Buddhist ritual ceremonies.

Vedic Chants
by Sathya Sai Centre for Educare
3 Apr, Sat, 6pm – 6.30pm & 7.15pm – 7.45pm
Esplanade Concourse
(This is a pilot trial performance with up to 100 audience members. No tickets will be issued.
Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.)

This presentation by devotees from Sathya Sai Centre for Educare features Vedic chants that
have cleansing, uplifting and healing properties. Vedas are ancient Sanskrit texts that contain
the wisdom for all ages. Vedas embody the cosmic sound—each chant has a vibrational
quality that is uplifting, energising and healing.

As sound is universal, the vibrational essence of the Vedas can be experienced without any
knowledge of Sanskrit. To maintain this vibrational integrity, each chant is learnt with careful
emphasis on pronunciation and intonation, while the intention and attitude of the chanter is
also a very important facet.

The Art of Quranic Recitation
by Ustaz Muhammad Sadid Abdul Latif
4 Apr, Sun, 4pm – 4.30pm & 7.30pm – 8pm
Esplanade Concourse
(This is a pilot trial performance with up to 100 audience members. No tickets will be issued.
Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.)

The recitation of the Quran conveys the scripture through melodious vocals, articulation of
each Arabic letter and evocative pronunciation of words. The recitation and memorisation of
the Quran can be considered key to its continuous preservation. In this session, Ustaz
Muhammad Sadid Abdul Latif will demonstrate the nuances of recitation and the beauty
behind the science of tajwid (knowledge and application of the rules of recitation).

Bhajans – Hymns to the Beloved
by Sathya Sai Centres
1 Apr, Thu, 7.15pm – 7.45pm & 8.30pm – 9.00pm
Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
(This is a pilot trial performance with up to 150 audience members. No tickets will be issued.
Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.)

Bhajan is a Sanskrit word meaning “singing to glorify God”. The term covers a wide range of
devotional music, from a simple mantra to more complex compositions. They are lyrical and
express love for the Divine as well as an intense yearning for oneness with the self.

It is the belief that when participants sing in unison, the bhajan acquires a divine power that
produces sacred vibrations that benefit the world. Traditional bhajans are accompanied by
instruments such as the harmonium and tabla. Keeping with the non-denominational nature
of the organisation, bhajans can be sung in different languages and in the musical traditions
of various faiths.

This presentation by devotees from Sathya Sai Centres features compositions that are
traditional and inter-religious.

“Let your whole life be a spiritual song. Believe that God (the Divine) is everywhere at all times,
and derive strength, comfort, and joy by singing His glory in His presence.”
– Sathya Sai Baba

About Sathya Sai Centres
Sathya Sai Centres are part of Sathya Sai International Organisation Singapore (SSIOS), a
non-denominational voluntary organisation. Its members have different faiths and share a
common goal—to reach the ultimate goal of realising their innate divinity through practising
the teachings of love and service as taught by spiritual teacher Sathya Sai Baba.

Sembur Adas: Spiritual and Religious Music from Java
by Singa Nglaras Gamelan Ensemble
2 & 3 Apr, Fri & Sat, 6.30pm – 7pm, 7.45pm – 8.15pm & 9pm – 9.30pm
Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
(This is a pilot trial performance with up to 150 audience members. No tickets will be issued.
Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.)

Java is a land where multiple spiritual and religious influences co-exist. Even today, major
world religions such as Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity are followed and practised,
all alongside a myriad of Indonesian spiritual and mystical beliefs related to humanity and the
natural world.

Central Javanese gamelan represents one of the largest Southeast Asian bronze ensembles.
Its classical repertoire—often featuring a complex layering of various parts—tends towards
the contemplative and relaxed, as compared to the dynamic, shimmering sound of
Balinese gamelan to the east and the sweet, melodious Sundanese variety to the west.

This programme brings you a selection of spiritual and religious musical expressions from
Java commonly performed today. Listen to pieces that borrow the vocal style of
the bedhaya dances from the Javanese courts, some that reveal Javanese interpretations of
Islam, as well as those with Buddhist and Christian texts woven into the musical framework.
Also presented are pieces from the santi swara genre: pieces that are sung communally,
accompanied by frame drums as well as a pair of banana shaped bronze beaters
called kemanak. Santi swara pieces are religious in nature and the genre is related
to laras madya, which is musically similar, but uses texts from the Serat Wulangreh written by
Javanese ruler Pakubuwono IV.

About Singa Nglaras
Singa Nglaras translates to “relaxing lion” (though the word nglaras means both to “relax” and
“to harmonise, tune”). Formed in Jan 2004 by Jan Mrazek and assisted since 2012 by Thow
Xin Wei, the group’s primary activity is weekly latihan (practice sessions) where they learn,

socialise, and relax to music. These       are   free   and   open   to   the   public,   with
no musical experience necessary.

The ensemble has previously performed at Esplanade, as well as the Malay Heritage Centre.
The group has also worked together with Javanese puppeteers and dancers, most notably for
Ki Purbo Asmoro, Didik Nini Thowok, Rianto, Ki Aneng and Ki Catur Benyek Kuncoro. In
Singapore, Singa Nglaras has collaborated with Gamelan Asmaradana, Bhaskar’s Arts
Academy, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Ruanatworkz and Skala.

Qawwali: Exaltation and Ecstasy
by Qawwal Sufi Brothers
4 Apr, Sun, 6pm – 6.30pm, 7.45pm – 8.15pm & 9pm – 9.30pm
Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
(This is a pilot trial performance with up to 150 audience members. No tickets will be issued.
Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.)

As with every form of music, qawwali too has its own unique speciality. Its lively energetic
beats aim to capture one's heart and soul. In this performance, the Qawwal Sufi Brothers will
perform a repertoire of works by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who is widely regarded as the most
iconic qawwali artist of all time. Also look out for qawwali works by the likes of Wadali Brothers
and A.R. Rahman, among others.

About Qawwal Sufi Brothers
Qawwal Sufi Brothers is a qawwali ensemble that has performed widely for shows, functions
and other events. Vocals are contributed by Sandeep Chatterjee and Neeraj Saxena, who
both have extensive experience in classical music. Navin Kumar plays on the tabla and dolak,
while the group’s leader Elliyas Farid plays the harmonium. For this performance, guest
vocalist Sanjay Kumar Chakravarthy will perform with the group.

Santeria: Rhythms of the Gods
by Yemaya Folklore Group
1 Apr, Thu, 8pm – 8.20pm & 9.15pm – 9.35pm
2 – 4 Apr, Fri – Sun, 7.15pm – 7.35pm, 8.30pm – 8.50pm & 9.40pm – 10pm
Esplanade Roof Terrace
(This is a pilot trial performance with up to 20 audience members. No tickets will be issued.
Available on a first-come, first-served basis.)

Originating amongst the Yoruba slaves of Cuba in the 19th century, the Santeria religion was
a fusion of the West African religions of the slaves as well as Spanish Catholicism. With a
myriad of melodic gestures, rhythms, dance movements and praise songs to invoke the oricha
or deity, the Yemaya Folklore Group explores the musical rituals of Santeria, in which
musicians were responsible for bridging the gap between heaven and earth.

About Yemaya Folklore Group
Yemaya Folklore Group is a band that specialises in folk music from Cuba, while striving to
introduce Afrocuban music to the world. The band was started mid-2014 in Singapore and
comprises Lid Ferrera (vocals, percussion), Eddy Felitas Del Sol (vocals, percussion),
Diosdado Hechavarria (percussion) and Pablo Calzado (vocals, percussion). The group
features a huge variety of rhythms and styles from Afrocuban folklore that are all related to
Santeria, which is the main religion in Cuba and most parts of South America.

Workshops

African Mbira Workshop
1 Apr, Thu, 8pm – 10pm
2 Apr, Fri, 2pm – 4pm & 7.30pm – 9.30pm
4 Apr, Sun, 1pm – 3pm & 5pm – 7pm
Esplanade Recital Studio
(Registration required)

The mbira dzavadzimu is one of several similar instruments created and used by the Shona
people, who live predominantly in Zimbabwe. It has ancient origins, dating back at least a
thousand years, and continues to play a key role in Shona culture today. The music of
the mbira is both simple yet deep and rich with possibility, offering a unique way to approach
music-making and listening.

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn about the instrument, the people who created
it and the music. By the end of the workshop, participants should be able to play a traditional
piece together as a group. No previous musical experience is necessary to participate.

Arabic Calligraphy Workshop
2 & 3 Apr, Fri & Sat, 2pm – 3pm & 4pm – 5pm
Esplanade Bay Room
(Registration required)

Naskh is one of the first scripts of Islamic calligraphy to develop, and is commonly used in
writing administrative documents and for transcribing books, including the Quran, because of
its easy legibility. In this one-hour workshop, learn how to write and construct the basic
structure of the Quranic script using traditional tools such as the red pen or popularly known
as Qalam, special papers and personally prepared inkwell. This workshop is suitable for those
who have no prior knowledge of the art.

Participants are required to bring their own earphones for this experience.

About Nur Fathiah A'bdussamad
Nur Fathiah A'bdussamad is a calligrapher trained under the tutelage of Hasanain Mokhtar, a
national master calligrapher of Egypt in various scripts. She then learnt the Moroccan script
from master calligrapher Bel'aid Hamidi, a former royal calligrapher of Morocco. She has been
teaching Arabic calligraphy and Traditional art since 2014. She is currently learning Arabic
calligraphy in Chinese style under the tutelage of Haji Nordeen Hoca from China. She has
trained more than 200 students in Arabic Calligraphy.

Craftsmen at work: Tay Guan Heng (Giant Joss Stick Maker)

Exhibition
2 – 4 Apr, Fri – Sun, 3pm – 7pm
Jendela (Visual Arts Space)
(Registration not required)

Hands-on sessions
3 & 4 Apr, Sat & Sun, 4pm – 4.45pm & 5.30pm – 6.15pm
Jendela (Visual Arts Space)
(Registration required)

Observe two of the last giant joss stick makers in Singapore hand-craft a motif of a dragon on
a six-foot tall giant joss stick. Sign up for a hands-on session to try your hand at making your
own wood clay ornaments.

About Albert Tay
Albert Tay is the fourth-generation owner of Tay Guan Heng, which has roots going back to
the 1930s. It started out producing mosquito coils out of wood clay—a technique the family
had brought over from their Teochew home business, and now specialises in making giant
joss sticks for Taoist temples, deity birthdays and other religious events.

In recent decades, the shop has ventured into the production of customisable wood and clay
figurines, as well as gingerbread houses for secular clients. Tay, now 62, has been helping
since he was nine years old, assisting his father to craft figurines to be attached to the joss
sticks. He has devoted his life to the craft and family business. Together with his two brothers,
Amos and Steven, the family has kept the business going even though competitors around
them have started to close and retire.

Mindful Tea Appreciation
by Fort Sanctuary
1 – 4 Apr, Thu – Sun, 2pm – 7pm
respecT by Fort Sanctuary, #02-04
(Registration not required)

Mindfulness denotes being attuned to the present experience of which we are part of. Taking
the time to slow down and be mindful can make a world of a difference to daily living. At Fort
Sanctuary, participants can choose between a single cup tea tasting experience or a multiple
brew experience using the gaiwan, a traditional Chinese porcelain lidded bowl. Delve into the
conscious experience of tea brewing and tasting with all your senses.

All sessions will take place in the premises of Fort Sanctuary. Participants have to purchase
a drink to take part in the self-guided experience. Participants are also required to bring their
own earphones for the sessions.

About Fort Sanctuary
Fort Sanctuary is a tea company crafting complex specialty teas in Singapore since 2015.
Advocating and pioneering an exclusive concept of finest teas made in Singapore, Fort
Sanctuary's tea processing facility in Tuas specialises in precise firings designed to work
perfectly with resting of tea leaves. Their concept of marrying precise firings with resting of
leaves are ground-breaking innovations designed to enhance intensity, richness, finish,
texture, vibrancy and expression of terroir in teas.

The World of Sacred Scents
by The Naturalist Grandeur
1 Apr, Thu, 8pm – 8.20pm
2 – 4 Apr, Fri – Sun, 3pm – 3.15pm, 5pm – 5.15pm & 8pm – 8.15pm
The Naturalist Grandeur, #02-09
(Registration required)

Delve into an olfactory experience as The Naturalist Grandeur guides you through The World
of Sacred Scents. Participants at this workshop will be able to experience the different scents
that have been used since ancient times for religious ceremonies and rituals. Learn about the
therapeutic benefits of these essential oils and how to use them.

About The Naturalist Grandeur
Started in 2007, The Naturalist Grandeur specialises in aromatology and the creation of
aromatic formulas. Housing a collection of more than 200 different types of fine grade essential
oils, precious perfumery absolutes and seasonal essential oils, the boutique is also a place
where you can find other natural remedies to provide you with a holistic approach to complete
wellness and thus improving your overall quality of life.

More details on www.esplanade.com/tapestry