SINGAPORE, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- River Nights 2016 kicked off on Friday evening to light up the bank of Singapore River in the heart of the country's Civic District. Over the two weekends in October, visitors can immerse themselves in various artistic events here.
River Nights was initiated to celebrate Singapore River's changing identity through the years. Organized by Asian Civilizations Museum (ACM) and with National Arts Council as principal partner, the third edition of River Nights returned with the theme of "Phantasmagoria", presenting traditional artistry with modern technology.
Festival Director Lim Chye Hong said at the heart of this year's programming is the use of technology to blend the old and the new, creating fresh and shared experiences for both artists and the public.
During the first weekend, the public can enjoy a series of performances by local artists. "Soundscape: The River" melds a variety of instruments and human voice to create the story of a river by weaving the magic of sound, whispers, the rustling of the wind, and the fury of a thunderstorm into one integral whole.
Performed by Nanyang Philharmonic Percussion Ensemble and Siva Mayam Urumi Melam, "All Things Percussion" made the hearts of visitors go thump with exciting rhythms and invigorating beats. While T.H.E Dance Company's "Silences We Are Familiar With" presented a poignant exploration of the ceaseless need for human to love and be loved.
In the second weekend, ACM's signature lifestyle event "ACM after Dark" will come back, presenting a showcase of Asian supernatural and beliefs. Students from Singapore Polytechnic will light up the night sky with color-changing umbrellas via hand-controls fabricated by MIT. The public can experience a dazzling performance in the "Umbrella Project".
River Nights 2016 will also take place on Saturday, as well as on Oct. 28 and Oct. 29.
