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Japanese music taking over Esplanade in 2026 with NHK Symphony Orchestra, Hiromi’s Sonicwonder & Ichiko Aoba

Japanese music taking over Esplanade in 2026 with NHK Symphony Orchestra, Hiromi’s Sonicwonder & Ichiko Aoba

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Get ready, Singapore’s iconic Esplanade Theatres on the Bay has just dropped the ultimate Japanese-music trio to kickstart your 2026. With tickets dropping on 24 October, you’ll want to mark your calendar because this is a spectrum of excellence you won’t want to miss.

First up, the prestigious NHK Symphony Orchestra will take the stage on 29 April in a special concert full of sweeping orchestral power and classical grandeur. This isn’t just a show — it’s a stamp of Japanese musical mastery in its purest form. Signifying a 60-year relationship between Japan and Singapore, NHK Symphony Orchestra are ready to serve up a grandiose performance for this commemoration as they perform in The Lion City for the first time in 24 years.

Ready to take the stage delivering his debut performance in Singapore is the first runner-up in the 2021 International Chopin Piano Competition, Kyohei Sorita, performing his signature piece, Prokofiev's 'Piano Concerto No. 3.' The programme showcases works by Yuzo Toyama, Benjamin Britten, and German classics, highlighting the musical connection between Japan and Germany. Click here for more information on ticketing details.

Next, the five-time GRAMMY Award-winner Hiromi is making her Singapore debut on 17 March — bringing Sonicwonder to fans. Expect jazz-fusion magic, and a show that blurs boundaries while raising the roof. Boundlessly imaginative and playful, Hiromi has captivated audiences globally with her dynamic stage presence during performances at NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert and the Tokyo Olympics.

Sonicwonder consists of trumpeter Adam O’Farrill, bassist Hadrien Feraud, and drummer Gene Coye — don't miss this chance to watch them as they execute their debut record Sonicwonderland flawlessly. Click here for more information on ticketing details.

And finally, the dreamlike voice of Ichiko Aoba will wrap everything up with her ethereal concert on 22 February — subtle, haunting, and unforgettable. Since her debut in 2010, Ichiko has proved time and time again that all she needs to create an intricate and mind-blowing hit is her classical guitar, simple synthesiser, and her unmistakable musical charm.

With the release of her latest album Luminescent Creatures, Ichiko returned to her stylistic roots as she incorporated her growth as an artist with her signature flair to deliver an unforgettable sonic experience. As she returns to perform here again after her sold-out 2024 performance, she shares that magic and artistic vision with longtime fans and audiences. Click here for more information on ticketing details.

Three acts. Three distinct flavours of Japanese music, all aligned under one marquee. From orchestral majesty to avant-jazz fireworks to minimalist beauty, this line-up has something for every kind of music lover. So beat the rush when tickets go on sale — once they’re gone, you’ll be left wishing you were in that crowd.