Asian Civilisations Museum hosts ‘Listening Pleasures’ weekend

InsideRecent·2025-06-10 07:02

Elegant Sounds of the Guqin with Eight Tones Music. Image courtesy of Asian Civilisations Museum

This June, the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) invites visitors on a unique musical journey with Crossing Cultures at ACM: Listening Pleasures, a vibrant weekend of intimate gigs, storytelling, workshops and vinyl cafe experiences from 13 to 15 June 2025.

Held across the museum’s galleries and open spaces, the event offers fresh ways to explore sound, history and cultural exchange.

Celebrating the diverse musical traditions of Asia and beyond, Listening Pleasures features performances that blend the ancient with the contemporary — Chinese guqin, indie rock, Indian classical fusion, Japanese city pop, and more.

Highlights include first listens of new music, hands-on workshops, and reflective storytelling sessions.

Here’s what visitors can look forward to:

Live & Gallery Performances

Elegant Sounds of the Guqin with Eight Tones Music 14–15 June, 3.30pm | Scholars Gallery Immerse yourself in the tranquil world of the guqin, China’s oldest stringed instrument, as performed in ACM’s revamped Scholars Gallery. A meditative encounter with musical heritage.

Nusantara.wav with Space Walk 14 June, 4.30pm | Ancestors & Rituals Gallery Singaporean band Space Walk reimagines Nusantara musical legends—from P. Ramlee to Payung Teduh — with psychedelic soundscapes and indie soul.

Karnatik Journey: Sushma Soma with Isuru Wijesoma 15 June, 4.30pm | Ancient Religions Gallery Award-winning vocalist Sushma Soma performs Carnatic songs that shaped her musical path, joined by electric guitar virtuoso Isuru Wijesoma.

Fusion Flows – Indian Classical x Jazz with Raghajazz. Image courtesy of Asian Civilisations Museum.

Outdoor Concerts on the Green

Japanese City Pop & Fusion with Eric Lee and M.I.C. 14 June, 5.30pm | ACM Green Jazz meets retro Japan in this energetic outdoor performance by pianist Eric Lee and top jazz fusion band M.I.C.

Unveiling “Radio Geisha The Album Pt. 1” by YAØ 14 June, 6.30pm | ACM Green Experience Singaporean artist YAØ’s most personal project yet—blending pop, R&B, and Japanese city pop in a soulful live debut.

Fusion Flows: Indian Classical x Jazz with RaghaJazz 15 June, 5.30pm | ACM Green Led by bansuri flautist Raghavendran Rajasekaran, RaghaJazz offers a high-energy mix of Indian ragas and jazz improvisation.

Screen Scores & Folk Favourites with Open Score Project 15 June, 6.30pm | ACM Green Relive iconic Asian film scores and folk tunes through this multicultural ensemble known for blending Singapore’s diverse musical roots.

Isuru Wijesoma. Image courtesy of Isuru Wijesoma

Workshops & Experiences

Secret Gig at ACM 13 June, 8pm | ACM Lobby (Meeting Point) A surprise musical set in a mystery gallery location. Only 20 spots—book fast! ($10 refundable deposit)

The Art of Deep Listening: Kamini Ramachandran 15 June, 2pm | Various galleries Storyteller Kamini Ramachandran guides visitors through sacred soundscapes in the museum, revealing how listening connects us across generations. ($10 refundable deposit)

ASMR Sound Bath with Whisperlodge 14 June, 3pm | Discovery Room A hands-on ASMR session led by live performance pioneers Derrick Tay and Melinda Lauw. Try creating relaxing sounds for your partner! ($15/pair)

Guqin Introductory Workshop with Eight Tones Music 15 June, 5pm | Discovery Room Try your hand at the guqin in this rare, immersive experience with Singapore’s top Chinese music educators. ($10 refundable deposit)

Drop-In Activities

Listening Cafe by Slow Boat 14–15 June, 2–7pm | ACM Lobby ACM’s first vinyl café pop-up lets you sip coffee while spinning classic LPs in an analog audio oasis. Free with admission.

Ear-Candy Corner by Poison Studio 13 June, 7–9pm & 14–15 June, 2–7pm | ACM Lobby Personalise your earphone cases and express your playlist style with charms and bling—while supplies last!

Listening Pleasures is part of ACM’s signature Crossing Cultures series — immersive weekends that explore Asia’s living heritage through music, food, craftsmanship, wellness, and more. Taking inspiration from ACM’s permanent collection, these programmes bring stories to life through performance, interaction, and hands-on activities.

Nusantara.wav with Space Walk. Image courtesy of Space Walk

Event Info * 13–15 June 2025 * Fri: 7–9pm | Sat–Sun: 2–7pm * Asian Civilisations Museum * Free and ticketed activities (prices vary)

For full schedule and registration details, visit: www.acm.org.sg

Follow @acm_sg on Instagram and Facebook for real-time updates and sneak peeks. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, culture lover, or simply seeking a soulful weekend — Listening Pleasures at ACM promises to hit all the right notes.