Esplanade Presents

Music

Samudra – An Ocean of Musical Traditions

An Esplanade Co-Production
by SwaRhythm Singapore featuring multi-ethnic musicians
Conducted by Dedric Wong

21 Nov 2025, Fri, 7.30pm

1hr 30mins

(Intermission: None)

Esplanade Concert Hall

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Synopsis

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

Admission Age:
6 and above.
Things to Note:
Accessibility: All our venues are wheelchair-accessible. We offer various services to support patrons with access needs. For assistance, please contact Esplanade Customer Experience at 6828 8377. Concessions are available for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and one accompanying companion. To learn more, read our accessibility guide.
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Artist Information

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 icon

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.

Date & Time

Assistive Listening

21 Nov 2025, Fri

7.30pm

Esplanade Concert Hall
Tickets & Prices
Standard

Students, NSFs, Seniors & PWDs
(Limited)

Price $50 $41.50

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