This one-of-a-kind festival is a free thought-provoking showcase of culture

From indigenous traditions to songs of healing, A Tapestry of Sacred Music has a thought-provoking lineup at the ready. In joining in the celebrations of different cultural expressions from all around the world, here are some performances you’ll want to mark down in your calendar.

For many, it’ll be your first time experiencing sacred music with the likes of Byzantine church music, a masterful pipe organ recital, and healing songs of indigenous tribes from all corners of the globe. Head down to an Introduction to Byzantine Church Music and Chant (April 29), where you’ll learn more about Byzantine music and chant from Father Nikodimos Kabarnos. Make sure to also save some time to attend the introduction to the mighty pipe organ with a Pipe Organ Recital (April 30) by a French organist, or even a Pipe Organ Tour (May 1) where you’ll get backstage access to see Singapore’s largest pipe organ. You can also look forward to intriguing performances like Songlines of Arnhem Land (April 29) or Chöd: Tantric Songs of Healing (April 28 & May 1). 

See the full music lineup.

Dance isn’t merely a form of entertainment – it’s also a performance art in many cultures, ranging from the Hawaiian hula dance to the Japanese Edo Kagura. With The Ritual Theatre of Edo Kagura (April 28 & 29), be mesmerised by this masked Japanese ritual ceremonial dance where dancers will move fluidly to bamboo flutes and hand-gongs. The festival also provides a chance for cultural exchange such as Chhau meets Kuda Kepang, where practitioners of these elaborate and colourful dances discuss and demonstrate the similarities and differences between the Javanese kuda kepang and West Bengali chhau. There’ll also be Dances of the Santeria Tradition (May 1), a showcase of drumming traditions and an Introduction to Hula Dance (May 1).

See the full dance lineup.