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Esplanade Presents
21 Nov 2025, Fri, 7.30pm
(Intermission: None)
Esplanade Concert Hall
This event is over.
Samudra – An Ocean of Musical Traditions explores water as a powerful source of life that wields emotion, inspires devotion, and transcends borders. This special premiere commemorates Singapore’s 60th year of independence, reflecting the nation’s spirit of multicultural inclusivity and artistic innovation—a reminder that, like water, music flows beyond boundaries and connects communities.
Marking the ensemble’s 10th anniversary., Samudra features diverse original works with Indian, Chinese, Malay, and Western influences, taking audiences on an immersive journey spanning the sacred rivers of the Himalayas and the vibrant maritime routes of Southeast Asia. Each composition blends traditional instruments with contemporary textures, creating a dynamic sonic confluence that celebrates Singapore’s multicultural identity through the symbolism of water and live sand art.
Highlights
Sky, Silk and Sea (composed by Gu Wei): A transcendent musical voyage from the Himalayan glaciers through India and China to Singapore and Malaysia, charting rivers and seas that connected civilisations.
Jal Katha (composed by Avik Chari): A vibrant celebration of water festivals across Asia—from Holi in India to Songkran in Thailand, and local traditions in Singapore and Malaysia.
Bisikan Samudera – Whispers of the Sea (composed by Syafiqah Adha): Remembering the orang laut (sea nomads) who were part of the proto-Malay people of this region.
Production credits
Artistic Direction, Concept & Lead Composer: Nawaz Mirajkar
Co-Composer: Renu Suresh
Guest Composers: Gu Wei, Avik Chari, Syafiqah 'Adha Bte Md Sallehin
Guest Conductor: Dedric Wong
Accessibility
Assistive Listening
SwaRhythm
Founded by Nawaz Mirajkar in Singapore, SwaRhythm is a distinguished Indian classical music ensemble that unites accomplished local musicians to explore the intricacies of Indian classical rhythms. The ensemble is noted for innovative collaborations that seamlessly blend Indian musical elements with Malay, Chinese, and Spanish influences.
SwaRhythm has performed at numerous prestigious festivals, concert halls, and cultural events, both locally and internationally. In 2024, the ensemble received recognition from Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Singapore Chinese Orchestra’s fundraising concert. Its work has also been covered by prominent media outlets across Singapore and India.
Supported by the National Arts Council and various cultural institutions, SwaRhythm remains committed to artistic innovation while preserving tradition. Over the past decade, it has presented several critically acclaimed productions, including Dhamaru (2009), Taal Express (2006, 2013), and Bhumi Pranaam (2021).
Performers
Indian Ensemble
Anand Viswanathan – Indian Violin
Ashwin Seetharaman – Digital Keyboard
Kumar Karthigesu – Sitar
Madhavan K – Veena
Mahesh Parameshwaran – Mridangam and other Percussions
Nawaz Mirajkar Mohammad – Tabla
Nirdesh Raja Bharadwaj – Male Vocal
Niranjan Rao – Male Vocal
Renu Suresh – Piano
Sachin Anant Bhide – Tabla, Pakhwaj
Sandhya Ramachandran – Female Vocal
Sanjay Chakrabarthy – Sarod
Sek Sheng Fu – Water Percussion
Shantanu Bharat Modak – Digital Keyboard
Stephanie Stacey Khoo – Sand Artist
Sunil Avachat – Indian Flute
Sveta Kilpady – Female Vocal
Uma Gowri Ramanathan – Veena
Malay Ensemble
Azrin Bin Abdullah – Oud
Nur Fadly Bin Majinin – Flute
Syafiqah 'Adha Bte Md Sallehin – Accordion
Chinese Ensemble
Chan Hong Wei – Erhu
Soh Swee Kiat – Sheng
Tan Jie Qing – Yangqin
Wong Wai Kit – Ruan
Western Ensemble
Chee Jun Hong – Double Bass
Lee Jit Seng – Western Drums
Ng Wei Ping – Violin
Saran Charoennit – Cello
Thantakorn Lakanasirorat – Viola
Zhou Christina Xinxue – Violin
Stephanie Stacey Khoo - Sand Artist
Sek Sheng Fu - Water Percussion (Live Water)
Technical Team
Sound Engineer: Steven Cheong Hai Lang
Production Manager: Athena
Assistive Listening
Assistive listening system is available for this venue. Hearing aid users with a Telecoil-enabled programme can benefit from the system provided. Please arrive at the venue 30 min before the performance so we can assist with the setup.
Assistive Listening
21 Nov 2025, Fri
7.30pm
Esplanade&Me Specials
Early Bird (29 Sep – 13 Oct 2025, limited tickets)
Black: 20% savings
White: 15% savings
Discover: 15% savings (Min. 2 tickets)
From 14 Oct 2025, 10am (Limited tickets)
Black: 15% savings
White: 10% savings
Discover: 10% savings (Min. 2 tickets)
Applicable to Standard tickets only. Terms and Conditions apply.
PAssion members: 10% savings
Min. of 4 tickets, limited tickets
Applicable to Standard tickets only.
SG Culture Pass
This event is eligible for SG Culture Pass credits, starting from 1 October 2025.
Select ‘SG Culture Pass’ as your payment option on the ‘Shopping Cart’ page. Visit SG Culture Pass for more information.
Great arts experiences begin with Esplanade&Me. Join this membership to enjoy ticket specials on shows at Esplanade, early bird specials, promotions at Esplanade Mall, unlimited access to Offstage and more.
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