The 42nd annual Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) returns this May with a multi-disciplinary lineup that spans dance, theatre, the literary arts, music and more. While the line-up offers a lot to excited about, we're particularly interested in the music programmes that SIFA has in store for us, and for good reason; this year's SIFA programming will see the debut of two of music's most prominent figures in Ryuichi Sakamoto and Bill Frisell. 

While it was announced last night that legendary Japanese composer and musician Ryuichi Sakamoto will be performing in Singapore as part of the festival, the rest of the line-up has now been revealed.

Legendary guitarist Bill Frisell and the Bill Frisell Trio will make their long awaited debut in Singapore as they perform a lively improvisatory set and some of Frisell’s most iconic compositions. Japanese sound artist ASUNA will explore sound interference and resonance in relation to the audience with a live performance installation featuring 100 keyboards. Local Indian cultural group Varsha will blend their music roots with the rhythms of guitarist Paul Danial and saxophonist Tom O'Dwyer to perform new compositions and arrangements of classic Jazz standards. 

It is important to note that Ryuichi Sakamoto's show is now sold out. Sakamoto will also be collaborating with Japanese artist Shiro Takatani, founder of artist collective, Dumb Type.

The 2019 Singapore Festival of Arts will take place from 16 May to 2 June. Find the complete programme schedule and get your tickets here.