Enjoy a weekend of listening pleasures at ACM! Experience intimate gallery gigs and live performances featuring a diverse Asian repertoire – from indie acoustic and fusion jazz to city pop and more. Discover new ways of listening through a pop-up listening cafe, storytelling sessions, and ASMR experiences. 

About Crossing Cultures at ACM
Taking inspiration from objects in the galleries, Crossing Cultures explores ACM's collection through performing arts, craftsmanship, food traditions, wellness practices, and other aspects of intangible cultural heritage – past and present. Dive deep into Asia’s rich heritage with these special weekend programmes. Learn, explore, and create with us at ACM.

13–15 June 2025

Daily - Friday, 7–9pm / Sat & Sun, 2–7pm

Asian Civilisations Museum

Free and ticketed activities available

13–15 June 2025

Daily - Friday, 7–9pm / Sat & Sun, 2–7pm

Asian Civilisations Museum

Free and ticketed activities available

REGISTERED ACTIVITIES

Secret Gig at ACM

Secret Gig at ACM

Friday, 13 June, 8–10pm
Meeting point: ACM Lobby
$10 refundable deposit

Sign up for a secret gig at the museum! Enjoy an intimate evening of musical discovery with a surprise line-up in a mystery location within the museum walls.

The exact location will be revealed on the day of the event. Feel free to bring your own food and beverages.

Click here to register

Limited spaces available – fastest fingers first!

The Art of Deep Listening: A Storyteller's Journey Through Sound and Silence with Kamini Ramachandran

Sunday, 15 June, 2pm 
ACM Galleries
$10 refundable deposit, not inclusive of admission ticket; register on Peatix
For ages 16 and up.

Discover the hidden power of listening in this intimate storytelling session with Kamini Ramachandran at ACM.

Journey through Buddhist sculptures in the Ancient Religions Gallery and ceremonial instruments in the Ancestors and Rituals Gallery, where listening is portrayed as a sacred act. Experience a guided meditation that awakens your inner ear, create your own sound map of heard and unheard sounds, and participate in a closing circle where gestures replace words. This immersive session reveals listening as a profound pleasure and powerful skill that connects us to our ancestors, each other, and ourselves.

Click here to register

About Kamini Ramachandran
Kamini Ramachandran is a storyteller and producer of immersive narrative experiences. Known for her object-based storytelling and in-gallery tours, she has been a regular collaborator with Singapore's major museums including ACM. She integrates traditional Asian folklore with contemplative arts and sensory experiences. Through site-specific storytelling, she awakens deep listening and meaningful connections to cultural heritage. Her work explores listening as both an art form and a pathway to understanding our shared human stories.

Photo credit: Kamini Ramachandran

The Art of Deep Listening: A Storyteller's Journey Through Sound and Silence with Kamini Ramachandran

Click here to register

Workshop-for-Pairs: ASMR Sound Bath with Derrick Tay and Melinda Lauw from Whisperlodge

Sun, 14 June, 3pm
Discovery Room, Basement
$15/pair; register on Peatix

Enjoy a relaxing introduction to ASMR! While ASMR is often experienced online, have you tried it in person? Lie down and experience calming ASMR sounds created live using everyday objects. Then, try creating ASMR yourself for your partner! This session is perfect for the ASMR-curious, ASMR enthusiasts, or anyone seeking gentle sensory exploration.

Click here to register

About Derrick Tay
Derrick is a multidisciplinary vocal and sound practitioner with over a decade of experience in voice work, performance, and creative facilitation. Blending his background in music and theatre, Derrick leads immersive sound journeys using instruments such as singing bowls, flutes, and the human voice. He guides participants into a state of deep rest and awareness, and invites them to explore ASMR as a deeply restorative and sensorial practice. 

About Melinda Lauw
Melinda is the co-founder of Whisperlodge, a popular immersive experience from New York City that pioneered live ASMR performance. Whisperlodge has been featured in The New York Times and the Netflix docuseries, Follow This. Melinda also contributed to the book Brain Tingles, and has performed ASMR at National Gallery Singapore, Singapore Art Museum, and ArkDes in Sweden.

Photo credit: Whisperlodge

Workshop-for-Pairs: ASMR Sound Bath with Derrick Tay and Melinda Lauw from Whisperlodge

Click here to register

The Seven Strings: Guqin Introductory Workshop with Eight Tones Music

Sun, 15 June, 5pm
Discovery Room, Basement
$10 refundable deposit; register on Peatix

Discover the timeless elegance of the guqin in this hands-on workshop led by Eight Tones Music. Learn the basics of playing this 3,000-year-old Chinese instrument, explore its mesmerising sounds, and deepen your understanding of its rich cultural and historical significance in Chinese civilisation.

Click here to register

About Eight Tones Music
Founded in 2014 by local musicians united by their passion for traditional Chinese music, Eight Tones Music School is Singapore’s largest Chinese music school. With over 1,000 students and 500 lessons conducted weekly, the school specialises in teaching traditional Chinese instruments, including the dizi, erhu, guzheng, guqin, hulusi, liuqin, pipa, sheng, and ruan.

Photo credit: Eight Tones Music

The Seven Strings: Guqin Introductory Workshop with Eight Tones Music

Click here to register

GALLERY GIGS

Elegant Sounds of the Guqin with Eight Tones Music

Sat & Sun, 14–15 June, 3.30pm
Scholars Gallery, Level 2
Admission fees may apply
Free performance

Immerse yourself in the serene world of the guqin, China's oldest stringed instrument, in the newly revamped Scholars Gallery. Join Eight Tones Music in this contemplative gallery space and experience the subtle tones that once enchanted Chinese literati. Let the meditative sounds transport you to a realm of tranquil reflection, where ancient musical traditions meet mindful listening.

About Eight Tones Music
Founded in 2014 by local musicians united by their passion for traditional Chinese music, Eight Tones Music School is Singapore’s largest Chinese music school. With over 1,000 students and 500 lessons conducted weekly, the school specialises in teaching traditional Chinese instruments, including the dizi, erhu, guzheng, guqin, hulusi, liuqin, pipa, sheng, and ruan.

Elegant Sounds of the Guqin with Eight Tones Music

Nusantara.wav with Space Walk

Sat, 14 June, 4.30pm
Ancestors & Rituals Gallery, Level 2
Admission fees may apply
Free performance

Singaporean indie band Space Walk presents a special 30-minute performance reimagining the rich musical tapestry of the Nusantara. Known for their dreamy, genre-blending sound, the band offers a fresh take on iconic Malay folk and pop classics while seamlessly weaving in their original compositions.

This intimate set features evocative reinterpretations of beloved songs by regional legends such as P. Ramlee, Sandra Reemer (“Nona Zaman Sekarang”), and contemporary Indonesian greats like Payung Teduh and Fourtwnty.

Listen: Space Walk on Spotify

About Space Walk
Space Walk is an indie rock band from Singapore known for their dreamy, psychedelic soundscapes and genre-blending style, drawing from surf rock, funk, and lo-fi pop. At the heart of the band is multi-instrumentalist Firdaus Juma’at, whose influences range from Tame Impala and Jimi Hendrix to Mac Miller and P. Ramlee. His eclectic taste shapes the band's distinctive sound, marked by lush arrangements and introspective lyrics.

Photo credit: Space Walk

Nusantara.wav with Space Walk

Listen: Space Walk on Spotify

Karnatik Journey: Sushma Soma with Isuru Wijesoma

Sun, 15 June, 4.30pm
Ancient Religions gallery, Level 2
Admission fees may apply
Free performance

Vocalist Sushma Soma shares melodies that have journeyed with her – from songs she learned before her formal Karnatik training, to those that have shaped her through the years, and to the music she now experiences through a distinctly Karnatik lens. She will joined by electric guitarist, Isuru Wijesoma in this intimate performance.

About Sushma Soma
Sushma Soma is an award-winning Karnatik vocalist and a recipient of the Young Artist Award, Singapore’s highest honour for young arts practitioners. She was also named one of the “10 women leaders in music” in Singapore.

Her recent work focused on the environment and sustainability, using her Karnatik training to give voice to these themes. Her album HOME, created with American composer Aditya Prakash, was praised as “one of the finest albums about environment and wildlife”.

Listen: Sushma Soma on Spotify

About Isuru Wijesoma
Isuru Wijesoma is a Singaporean-Sri Lankan guitarist known for blending Western and Indian classical traditions into a distinctive sound. Performing on a custom-built double-neck guitar, Isuru moves fluidly between genres with a style that is both technically intricate and deeply expressive. He has performed in Singapore, Australia, and Europe, contributed to over 50 original tracks, and appeared on Channel 5 and Channel News Asia. He has also performed for former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

Listen: Isuru Wijesoma on Spotify

Photo credit: National Arts Council, Singapore (Top), Isuru Wijesoma (Bottom)

Karnatik Journey: Sushma Soma with Isuru Wijesoma

Listen: Sushma Soma on Spotify

Listen: Isuru Wijesoma on Spotify

Photo credit: National Arts Council, Singapore (Top), Isuru Wijesoma (Bottom)

OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES

Japanese City Pop And Fusion with Eric Lee and M.I.C.

Sat, 14 June, 5.30pm
ACM Green
Free

Join multi-genre jazz pianist Eric Lee and one of Singapore's leading jazz fusion band, M.I.C., for an evening of Japanese City Pop meets Jazz Fusion. Expect groovy rhythms, catchy melodies, and funky arrangements that bring the smooth, sophisticated sound of 1980s Japan to life – with a contemporary jazz twist.

Listen: Eric Lee and M.I.C. on Instagram

About Eric Lee & M.I.C.
The band features Eric Lee on keys and vocals, Masashi Sasaki on bass, Raf Soundwalker on drums, Ko Nakamura on guitar, and Tokyo native Ryna Smile on vocals. With performances at jazz festivals in Chiang Mai and Japan, and multiple sold-out shows in Singapore, M.I.C. promises a funky, entertaining evening of music!

Photo credit: M.I.C

Japanese City Pop And Fusion with Eric Lee and M.I.C.

Listen: Eric Lee and M.I.C. on Instagram

Unveiling "Radio Geisha The Album Pt.1" by YAØ

Sat, 14 June, 6.30pm
ACM Green
Free

Experience Radio Geisha live at the Asian Civilisations Museum as YAØ unveils his boldest project yet. On June 14, the Singaporean singer-songwriter brings Part I of his conceptual album to an intimate performance exploring identity, ambition, and emotional truth through soulful melodies and striking visuals. Don’t miss this rare chance to witness YAØ’s most personal work, one day after its global release.

Listen: YAØ on Spotify

About YAØ
YAØ is a Singaporean singer-songwriter and producer known for blending R&B, pop, and Japanese City Pop. With hits like "Scenery", "Love and City Lights", and "Hostage", he has earned critical acclaim and awards, including Spotify’s Top Radar Artist SG & MY. His new project, Radio Geisha, explores identity and performance, marking a powerful return to his roots with raw vulnerability and sonic ambition.

Photo credit: YAØ

Unveiling "Radio Geisha The Album Pt.1" by YAØ

Listen: YAØ on Spotify

Fusion Flows: Indian Classical x Jazz with Raghajazz

Sun, 15 June, 5.30pm
ACM Green
Free

Dive headfirst into a fusion of Indian classical ragas and jazz improvisation with RaghaJazz. Led by bansuri flautist Raghavendran Rajasekaran, this quintet weaves traditional ragas with contemporary jazz harmonies to create an electrifying, genre-crossing sound.

Listen: RaghaJazz on Instagram

About RaghaJazz
Raghajazz is a Singapore-based electro-fusion quintet that blends Indian classical ragas with jazz improvisation. Formed in 2009 by flautist Raghavendran Rajasekaran, the ensemble features bansuri, piano, bass, and drums. Their original works, such as "Saraswathi" and "Freedom Principles", reflect a journey of musical innovation inspired by legends like Ravi Shankar and Miles Davis. RaghaJazz has performaed at major festivals, including Esplanade's Kalaa Utsavam and Jazz in July.

Fusion Flows: Indian Classical x Jazz with Raghajazz

Listen: RaghaJazz on Instagram

Screen Scores & Folk Favourites with Open Score Project

Sun, 15 June, 6.30pm
ACM Green
Free

The Open Score Project takes over at Listening Pleasures! This special performance blends beloved folk melodies with iconic Asian cinema scores, offering a cultural reflection on these shared stories and memories.

Listen: Open Score Project on Instagram

About Open Score Project
Founded by Gildon Choo in 2018, Open Score Project (OSP) is a diverse music ensemble blends Singapore’s musical traditions to reflect its cultural identity. OSP promotes unity through music and fosters cross-cultural collaboration.

Their recent works includes Sea of Stories (Esplanade commission), Palindrome (Singapore Night Festival), and main performances at Chingay since 2023. OSP has represented Singapore at arts festivals in Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and China.

Photo credit: Open Score Project

Screen Scores & Folk Favourites with Open Score Project

Listen: Open Score Project on Instagram

FREE DROP-IN ACTIVITIES

Listening Café by Slow Boat

Sat & Sun, 14–15 June
2–7pm
ACM Lobby
Free

Step into ACM’s first vinyl listening café – a weekend pop-up by Slow Boat! Redeem a free cup of hot coffee* with every museum admission sticker and enjoy the warm, authentic sound of vinyl records.

*One cup per person with gallery admission sticker. While supplies last.

About Slow Boat
Slow Boat is Singapore’s first vinyl record listening cafe. It is a space where people can sit back, slow down and enjoy music. The vinyl record format encourages the listener to enjoy the album as the artist intended.

Photo credit: Slow Boat

Listening Café by Slow Boat

Ear-Candy Corner: Personalise Earphone Cases and Charms with Poison Studio

Fri, 13 June, 7–9pm
Sat & Sun, 14–15 June, 2–7pm
ACM Lobby
Free

Drop in and turn your everyday music carrier into a custom piece of ear candy. Personalise your AirPods case with decorations or select charms that match your unique playlist style.

*While supplies last.

About Poison Studio
Poison Studio is a brand that celebrates Y2K aesthetics, bold colours, and playful designs. They believe that accessories aren’t just accessories, but statement pieces.

Photo credit: Poison Studio

Ear-Candy Corner: Personalise Earphone Cases and Charms with Poison Studio

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Video

Crossing Cultures at ACM: Listening Pleasures

Programme

REGISTERED ACTIVITIES

Secret Gig at ACM

The Art of Deep Listening: A Storyteller's Journey Through Sound and Silence with Kamini Ramachandran

Workshop-for-Pairs: ASMR Sound Bath with Derrick Tay and Melinda Lauw from Whisperlodge

The Seven Strings: Guqin Introductory Workshop with Eight Tones Music

GALLERY GIGS

Elegant Sounds of the Guqin with Eight Tones Music

Nusantara.wav with Space Walk

Karnatik Journey: Sushma Soma with Isuru Wijesoma

OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES

Japanese City Pop And Fusion with Eric Lee and M.I.C.

Unveiling "Radio Geisha The Album Pt.1" by YAØ

Fusion Flows: Indian Classical x Jazz with Raghajazz

Screen Scores & Folk Favourites with Open Score Project

FREE DROP-IN ACTIVITIES

Listening Café by Slow Boat

Ear-Candy Corner: Personalise Earphone Cases and Charms with Poison Studio

REGISTERED ACTIVITIES

Secret Gig at ACM

The Art of Deep Listening: A Storyteller's Journey Through Sound and Silence with Kamini Ramachandran

Workshop-for-Pairs: ASMR Sound Bath with Derrick Tay and Melinda Lauw from Whisperlodge

The Seven Strings: Guqin Introductory Workshop with Eight Tones Music

GALLERY GIGS

Elegant Sounds of the Guqin with Eight Tones Music

Nusantara.wav with Space Walk

Karnatik Journey: Sushma Soma with Isuru Wijesoma

OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES

Japanese City Pop And Fusion with Eric Lee and M.I.C.

Unveiling "Radio Geisha The Album Pt.1" by YAØ

Fusion Flows: Indian Classical x Jazz with Raghajazz

Screen Scores & Folk Favourites with Open Score Project

FREE DROP-IN ACTIVITIES

Listening Café by Slow Boat

Ear-Candy Corner: Personalise Earphone Cases and Charms with Poison Studio