Catch of the Month: A toast to International Music Day with 5 tune-worthy events in October 2023

October heralds an exciting repertoire of arts and culture events that can’t be missed and we’re kicking things off with music-forward shows throughout the month to commemorate International Music Day on 1 October 2023. Whether you’re an orchestra buff, mandopop lover or the hipster with alternative taste, you’ll definitely find something in this list! Here’s our selection of arts and culture events – the music edition – to look out for. 

Take a walk on the alternative music side of Singapore at Baybeats 2023. Image credit: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Singapore's grandest alternative music extravaganza is making a triumphant return this year, and it's coming back bigger and better! The 22nd edition of Baybeats is set to take the stage at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay with an electrifying lineup featuring both local talents and international sensations. Thanks to thrilling partnerships with overseas music festivals and Principal Sponsor KEEN, Baybeats is on a mission to showcase Singapore's musical prowess on the global stage. With electrifying performances, unexpected collaborations, and an unforgettable festival vibe, Baybeats 2023 promises to be an unmissable experience for music lovers from all corners of the world.

Get swept away with timeless tunes and debut melodies from Birdsong: Your Orchestral Adventure. Image credit: SISTIC Singapore

The Musicians' Initiative (MI) is back, and they're bringing an electrifying new show to you! Brace yourselves for Birdsong: Your Orchestral Adventure, a spectacle that will whisk you away with timeless melodies, featuring the Butterfly Lovers Concerto with Soloist Jocelyn Ng, and the iconic 20th-century masterpiece, Igor Stravinsky's Suite from the Firebird. That's not all – MI continues to rewrite the rulebook with two astonishing local debuts. Experience Cantus Arcticus, Concerto for Birds and Orchestra by Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara, where the captivating voices of Arctic indigenous birds take centre stage. And don't miss MI's grand reveal of the Asian premiere of Gliding Murmuration for Orchestra composed by Anibal Vidal from Chile.

3. Heroic Tales of Richard Strauss

The world of orchestra takes a modern spin through the dramatics of the Heroic Tales of Richard Strauss. Image credit: Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO)

Prepare to be dazzled as the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) taps into the boundless creativity of the modern orchestra, ignited by the genius of German composer Richard Strauss. A symphonic journey like never before, find yourself transported to the whimsical world of mischievous prankster Till Eulenspiegel, and witness the epic exploits of Don Quixote, the valiant would-be knight. Leading this musical adventure are SSO Principal Cello Ng Pei-Sian and Principal Viola Manchin Zhang. Get ready to be swept away by a symphonic spectacle that will redefine your concert hall experience!

4. Blue Note Tokyo All-Star Jazz Orchestra

Japan brings their best jazz to Singapore shores with their snazzy jazz orchestra! Image credit: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

The Blue Note Tokyo All-Star Jazz Orchestra, a stellar ensemble of Japan's jazz elite, returns to the Esplanade after a decade! Led by trumpet virtuoso Eric Miyashiro, this orchestra has taken the global jazz scene by storm, gracing festivals worldwide and jamming with legends like Pat Metheny and Marcus Miller. Their contemporary Japanese jazz fusion is a sensation, and they're here to ignite the night with their colossal big-band vibes. Joining this electrifying lineup are neo-soul vocalist Nao Yoshioka and Singapore's very own jazz maestro Chok Kerong on the electric organ. One night only – don't miss this sonic spectacle!

5. One Love Asia Festival Singapore 2023

Looking to rock on or get in your feels with mandopop hits? Image credit: SISTIC Singapore