Now that we’re on the road to a new normal, of living with COVID-19, it means that watching live performances is a viable weekend activity. There’s a whole bevy of live productions to entertain you for the rest of 2021, and here’s what you can experience for the rest of the year.
La Clique
Date: 18 September – 7 November (Tue – Fri: 8pm, Sat – Sun: 4.30pm & 8pm)
Location: Marina Bay Sands Expo And Convention Center
Missing the circus? Then La Clique’s unique blend of circus performances, cabaret, comedy and live music may be just the panacea for you. Performances take place on a small stage that is no larger than 3 meters wide — with audiences seated close to the action. It’s the first long-running show in Marina Bay Sands with an international cast ever since the pandemic hit, making it a symbol of our first steps towards bringing back the glory of the theatre.
Electrify My World 让世界触电
Dates: 8 October – 10 October, 12 October – 17 October (8pm)
Location: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
This Mandarin play (with English subtitles) revolves around the historical rivalry between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla. It covers themes of science and humanity. But what’ll really be interesting is seeing how these two historical figures will be depicted. Performed by Nine Years Theatre, a Singapore-based Mandarin theatre company.
da:ns festival 2021
Dates: 8 Oct – 17 Oct
Locations: Various
A festival that highlights the spirit of dance and the joy of movement, from the classical to contemporary, the 16th edition of da:ns festival invites artists and audiences alike to turn their attention towards new perspectives on the body and physical touch, new ways we experience, express and watch dance, as well as the relevance and power of dance.
- Dissemination Everywhere! (8 Oct – 16 Oct, 7.30pm & 9.30pm, at Esplanade Roof Terrace)
- In Good Company – A Spotlight on Singapore Dance Companies (8 Oct – 16 Oct, 8pm, at Esplanade Theatre)
- FULL OUT! ScRach vs MarcS (14 Oct – 17 Oct, 8pm, at Esplanade Outdoor Theatre)
- and so we dance (17 Oct, 3.30pm & 7.30pm, at Esplanade Recital Studio)
Candlelight Concerts
Dates: 12 October – 21 October (various timings)
Locations: Various
Relive the greatest works of classical music, from Vivaldi to Mozart to Bach, in an intimate candlelit atmosphere at some of Singapore’s most stunning venues.
- Candlelight: Best of Magical Movie Soundtracks (12 & 13 Oct, 6.30pm & 9pm, at Victoria Concert Hall)
- Candlelight Halloween: A Haunted Evening of Spooky Compositions on Strings (25 Oct – 27 Oct, 6.30pm & 9pm, at CHIJMES Hall)
- Candlelight: Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake & more ft. Ballet (17 & 18 Nov, 6.30pm & 9pm, at Victoria Theatre)
- Candlelight: Best of Anime Soundtracks (18 & 19 Oct, 6.30pm & 9pm, at The Arts House Chamber)
- Candlelight: Best of Chinese Drama Soundtracks and more (19 Nov 6.30pm & 9.30pm, at Victoria Theatre)
- Candlelight Jazz: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin (20 Nov, 4pm & 6.30pm, at Victoria Theatre)
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen at Chamber, The Arts House (18 & 20 Nov, 4pm & 6.30pm, at The Arts House Chamber)
- Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Chamber, The Arts House (21 Nov, 3pm & 5pm, at The Arts House Chamber)
Straight Acting
Dates: 14 October – 24 October (Tue – Fri: 7.30pm, Sat: 3pm & 7.30pm, Sun: 2pm & 6pm)
Location: The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre @ Wild Rice, Funan
VCHpresents Chamber: From My Life
Dates: 16 October – 17 October (Sat: 7pm. Sun: 4pm)
Location: Victoria Concert Hall
This concert includes Beethooven’s Obligato for Viola and Cello; Bruch’s 8 Pieces for Clarinet, Viola and Piano, Op. 83, No. 1, 2, 6, 7 2; and Smetana’s String Quartet No. 1 Op. 1163 from From My Life.
From Warsaw to Singapore: Two Evenings with Kate Liu
Date: 16 October & 20 October (7.30pm)
Location: Victoria Concert Hall
This concert is the local debut of Singapore-born prize-winning pianist Kate Liu, jointly presented by Altenburg Arts and the Orchestra of the Music Makers (OMM).
Beautiful Sunday The Dance of Music 乐舞
Date: 17 October (2pm)
Location: Esplanade Concert Hall
The Keat Hong Chinese Orchestra performs different dance music such as the classic Uyghur folk tune Youth Dance the Fourth and the Fifth Movements from the Daggers Society Suite, Bow Dance and Pea-Blossoms are in Bloom, and the Malay song Beruntung Jadi Anak Kelantan in this concert.
Concordia Quartet – Soaring with the Wind
Date: 19 October – 20 October (7.30pm)
Location: Victoria Concert Hall
The Concordia Quartet and clarinetist Ralph Emmanuel Lim performs for this concert, which includes pieces by Mozart and Grieg.
The Sound of Mendelssohn
Date: 21 October – 22 October (7.30pm)
Location: Esplanade Concert Hall
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra brings pieces from Mendelssohn to you in this concert, including his Italian Symphony and Violin Concerto.
The Mother
Dates: 22 October – 7 November (Tue – Fri: 8pm, Sat – Sun: 3pm & 8pm)
Location: Victoria Theatre
A disturbing portrayal of one woman’s descent into an emotional abyss, Florian Zeller’s The Mother is a searing examination of mental illness, and a surreal and suspenseful psychological thriller by Pangdemonium that takes us on a trip between harsh reality and even harsher hallucination.
VCHpresents Chamber: In the Company of Mozart
Dates: 23 October (7pm) and 24 October (4pm)
Location: Victoria Concert Hall
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra brings pieces from Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven to you in this concert.
乐坛双杰 The Rising Duo
Dates: 23 October (8pm)
Location: Singapore Chinese Orchestra Company Concert Hall
This concert is available in-person and online. It features ruan player Jonathan Ngeow and flutist Rit Xu as they present the Southeast Asian Ruan Kebyar and Jacques Ibert’s Flute Concerto.
The Expat Comedy Show
Date: 24 October (8pm)
Location: Esplanade Concert Hall
The first live comedy show this year to feature 6 expat comedians on stage, the show by LA Comedy Live features a diverse group of comedians — Deepak Chandran (Indian,; Orion Perez (Filipino), Liam McDonald (Canadian), Artur Akhmetzyanov (Russian), Matt Chalmers (British), and Sarah Peng (Chinese) — as they cover local topics like fines, HDB, fines, food, fines, relationships with Singaporeans, and… fines.
Feed Your Imagination (F.Y.I) 2021 With Time
Dates: 27 October – 27 October (4pm & 8pm)
Location: Esplanade Theatre Studio
A verbatim theatre performance based on interview with individuals aged 10-29, the show explores the topic of suicide and how those with suicidal ideations or attempts have felt about it. It allows young audiences to experience real stories of those who had tried to end their lives in their youths, and their journey in overcoming these mental health struggles or other stressors.
Kam Ning – The Artistry of Strings
Date: 27 October – 28 October (7.30pm)
Location: Victoria Concert Hall
Singapore violinist Kam Ning leads the Singapore Symphony Orchestra in this performance which includes pieces from Haydn and Bartók.
Pentas 2021
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Sanisah Huri – The Lady in Concert (20 Oct – 30 Oct, 8pm, at Esplanade Concert Hall)
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Pulang Balik Teater Ekamatra (5 Nov – 7 Nov, 3pm & 8pm, at Esplanade Theatre Studio)
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GARAP Garage (24 Dec – 25 Dec, 11am & 2pm & 4pm, at Esplanade Annexe Studio)
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
Dates: 30 October – 5 December (Tues – Sat: 6pm & 9pm, Sun: 3pm & 6pm)
Location: KC Arts Centre
An irreverent, fast-paced romp through the best bits of the Bard’s plays by the Singapore Repertory Theatre as 3 actors go through 37 plays in just 97 minutes.
The Goldberg Variations • Solo Piano Recital by Chiyan Wong
Date: 31 October (7.30pm)
Location: Esplanade Concert Hall
Chiyan Wong, a Hong Kong-born, Berlin-based pianist will perform pieces from Ravel, Bach, Chopin, and Busoni in this concert.
Baybeats 2021
Dates: 4 November – 7 November
Location: Esplanade
Esplanade’s annual music festival is back this year, spanning four days instead of the usual three days. With live performances and livestreamed ones available to all, this year’s Baybeats is determined to prevail over the pandemic as it presents music from indie and younger bands. This 20th edition of Baybeats may be the most exciting one yet.
Faghag
Dates: 4 November – 14 November (Tue – Fri: 7.30pm, Sat: 3pm & 7.30pm, Sun: 2pm & 6pm)
Location: The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre @ Wild Rice, Funan
Pam Oei takes to the stage in this rainbow-coloured cabaret, as she plays multiple characters, tells jokes, shares heart-warming tales, and throws in a few torch songs — showing why exactly she’s a faghag. Directed by Ivan Heng with musical accompaniment by Julian Wong, this new run of her signature show promises a new round of joyous pride for 2021.
The Butterfly Lovers
Dates: 4 November – 5 November (7.30pm)
Location: 7.30pm
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra performs pieces from Leong Yoon Pin, Chen Gang & He Zhan Hao, and Ho Chee Kong in this concert.
(re)creations • Solo Piano Recital by Zlata Chochieva
Dates: 5 November (9pm) & 6 November (7pm)
Location: Victoria Concert Hall
Zlata Chochieva, a Moscow-born pianist, performs pieces by Mozart, Scriabin, Grazioli-Friedman, Bach-Friedman, Mahler-Friedman, Schubert-Liszt, Mendelssohn-Liszt, Mendelssohn-Rachmaninov, and Gartner-Friedman in this concert.
Passages Contemporary Season 2021
Dates 5 November (7.30pm), 6 November (3pm & 7.30pm) & 7 November (3pm & 7pm)
Location: SOTA Studio Theatre
Staged in a black box theatre, dances by choreographers Janek Schergen, Rachel Lum, Toru Shimazaki and Nils Christe will be performed.
周二聚会：新乐芳华 Music Tuesdays: Vibrant Strings
Date: 9 November (7.30pm)
Location: Singapore Chinese Orchestra Concert Hall
This concert is available in-person and online. Performed by the Vibrant Strings quintet, this concert features pieces such as Fiery Phoenix, Tempting, Dynamic Plucked Strings, and Vibrant Strings.
To Paris with Cédric Tiberghien
Date: 11 November (7.30pm)
Location: Esplanade Concert Hall
Cédric Tiberghien, a French pianist, performs pieces from Ravel and Mozart alongside the Singapore Symphony Orchestra in this concert.
L’isle joyeuse – Cédric Tiberghien in Recital
Date: 12 November (7.30pm)
Location: Esplanade Concert Hall
Cédric Tiberghien, a French pianist, performs pieces from Mozart, Debussy, and Beethoven in this concert.
MILIEU 2021
Dates: 12 November (8pm) & 13 November (3pm & 8pm)
Location: SOTA Studio Theatre
Two dance artists, Lowe Mei Yoke and Chiew Peishan, will be featured in this double bill.
Concerts for Children: Hello from Beethoven!
Date: 13 November (11am & 2.30pm)
Location: Victoria Concert Hall
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra introduces children to the life-changing music of Beethoven with selected pieces in this concert.
Everlasting Love Ballads 2021
Date: 13 November (8pm)
Location: Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands
Featuring Taiwanese singers Zheng Yi & Zhou Zhi Ping, this concert features familiar 80s and 90s hits that are bound to be crowd pleasers.
Grains of Glory – The Best of Musicals
Dates: 19 November – 20 November (7.30pm)
Location: Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands
International sand artist Lawrence Koh, Soprano Moira Loh and acclaimed violinist Seah Huan Yuh take to the stage as they perform some of the best songs from musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, and Anastasia, bringing them alive through live sand drawings.
Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts 2021
Dates: 19 November – 28 November
Locations: Various
The 20th edition of the annual Indian Festival of Arts, Kalaa Utsavam returns this year, showcasing the creations of Singapore artists in debut performances and premieres.
- Nimirndha Nannadai – Bharathi’s Poems of Strength (19 Nov – 20 Nov, 3pm & 7.30pm, at Esplanade Recital Studios)
- Raffee 50 – A Musical Jubilee (19 Nov, 8pm, at Esplanade Theatre)
- These Brief Encounters (19 Nov – 20 Nov, 4pm & 6pm, at Esplanade Annexe Studio)
- Kaanalvariyum Kaarigei Nilaiyum – Madhavi’s story (19 Nov – 20 Nov, 3pm & 6pm, at Esplanade Theatre Studios)
- Bhumi Pranām – A Musical Celebration of Mother Earth (2o Nov – 21 Nov, 6.30pm & 7.30pm, at Esplanade Concert Hall)
- Aikyam – The Oneness (21 Nov, 6pm & 8pm, at Esplanade Annexe Studio)
- Mighty Warrior Prince Bheema (26 Nov, 11am, 2pm, 4.30pm & 7.30pm, at Esplanade Recital Studio)
- Ishq Sufiyana – An Evening of Love and Sufi Music (26 Nov, 7.30pm & 9.30pm, at Esplanade Annexe Studio)
- Marma Medai – Theerppu (The Judgement) (26 Nov – 28 Nov, 3pm & 8pm, at Esplanade Theatre Studio)
- RUDRA (27 Nov, 8pm, at Esplanade Theatre)
- Athma Ghanam – Music for the Soul (28 Nov, 3pm & 7pm, at Esplanade Concert Hall)
Happy Ever Laughter – The Multi-Comedian Task Force
Dates: 25 November – 11 December (8pm)
Location: Capitol Theatre
Happy Ever Laughter returns with a Multi-Comedian Task Force that boasts nine of Singapore’s most highly qualified jokers – Gurmit Singh, Sebastian Tan aka Broadway Beng, Rishi Budhrani, Fakkah Fuzz, Jinx Yeo, Hafidz Rahman, Sharul Channa, Judee Tan aka Dr Teo Chew Moi, and Suhaimi Yusof.
乐遊万里 – 丹红传音韵 Wang Danhong’s Music Showcase
Date: 27 November (8pm)
Location: Singapore Chinese Orchestra Concert Hall
In this concert, the Singapore Chinese Orchestra performs a selection of Wang Danhong’s compositions that is representative of different regions of China, such as Amannisha from the western regions, and Ode to the Sun that draws material from a noteworthy Sichuan folk song.
Baiba Skride Plays Mozart
Dates: 1 December – 2 December (7.30pm)
Location: Esplanade Concert Hall
Baiba Skride, an acclaimed Latvian violinist, will perform pieces from Mozart alongside the Singapore Symphony Orchestra in this concert.
Lorenzo Viotti and Andreas Ottensamer
Dates: 9 December – 10 December (7.30pm)
Location: Esplanade Concert Hall
Conductor Lorenzo Viotti and clarinetist Andreas Ottensamer will perform pieces by Brahms, Prokofiev, and Dvořák, alongside the Singapore Symphony Orchestra in this concert.
VCHpresents Chamber: Raise a Glass to Mozart, with Andreas Ottensamer
Date: 11 December (7.30pm)
Location: Victoria Concert Hall
Andreas Ottensamer, Principal Clarinet of the Berlin Philharmonic will perform pieces by Glass, Southam, Nielsen, and Mozart, alongside the Singapore Symphony Orchestra in this concert.
Baby Shark Live: The Hidden Treasure
Dates: 24 December – 26 December (10am, 1pm, 4pm & 7pm)
Location: The Theatre at Mediacorp
You can already hear the “Baby Shark do do do do do” chorus just by looking at the title of this music-packed live show. Baby Shark, Pingfong and Hogi are joined by Mommy Shark, Daddy Shark, Hettie the Hermit Crab, Shimmer the Octopus as they celebrate the sandy town of Reefville’s First Annual Treasure Hunt. Their adventure takes them to exciting new places under the deep blue sea — and to a shipwreck as well! If your child is a Baby Shark fan, then this is the perfect show for them.
This article was written for and first published on Yahoo.
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I’m an independent scriptwriter who’s written for popular shows like Lion Mums, Crimewatch, Police & Thief, and Incredible Tales. I’m also a Transformers enthusiast and avid pop culture scholar. You can find me on social media as Optimarcus and on my site.
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