6 local acts make up latest edition of sacred music festival

BRINGING together multiple religions through music has been the core mission of The Esplanade's A Tapestry of Sacred Music. Now in its eighth edition, the festival continues to focus on lesser-known music practices which are seldom performed outside of their respective religious communities or setting, says festival programmer Tan Xianghui. Hence, "this is a good opportunity for the public to experience them".

Among its six local acts this year are the first and only Taoist Orchestra in Singapore, Islamic Devotional Poetry by Madeehul Mustafa, medieval Spanish pilgrim songs and Sikh devotional songs.

"For the students, it's a real treat to perform at the Esplanade - and for some a once-in-a-lifetime experience," shares Rajeshpal Singh, vice-chairman of the Sikh Centre. The Sikh Centre set up the Gurmat Sangeet Academy in 2000 in a move to preserve and teach more people about traditional Sikh devotional music established in the 1400s.