Occupying pride of place next to Marina Bay lies what is now being described as Singapore’s premier space for performance art. Dubbed Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, this sprawling complex spread out across an impressive 6 hectares and looks over the Singapore River from its scenic waterfront location. Renowned as one of the globe’s most coveted and busiest art hubs, The Esplanade is home to a state-of-the-art concert auditorium that can accommodate 1,600 spectators simultaneously as well as a world class theatre that can stage a variety of theatrical offerings for an audience of nearly 2,000.
Connected though a breathtaking foyer and the central concourse, the Concert Hall and the Theatre are the chief highlights at The Esplanade which also houses its own signature mall, conference venues and a wide range of other supportive services. Boasting acoustic excellence that is comparable to only five other concert venues in the globe, the Concert Hall at The Esplanade can seat up to 1,600 guests at a time and is considered the country’s top-pick venue for recitals and musical performances. The orchestral area of the hall can also house nearly 120 musicians while the mobile acoustic canopy is another popular feature of the arena.
Used as a movable sound reflector, the canopy enhances the acoustic environment of the hall co-coordinating vital elements of sound to create a pitch perfect acoustic experience. The locale’s reverberation chamber also aids this effort with its digitally controlled flaps and doors that occupy a void of 9,500 cubic metres. The custom-made Johannes Klais Orgelbau organ is another highlight at the venue as this 4,740 pipe wonder was constructed specifically for The Esplanade by the famed organ manufacturer.
Resembling a classic British opera house, The Esplanade Theatre boasts the largest stage in all of Singapore with two auxiliary stages on either side to accommodate change of scene. The 100 member capacity orchestral pit at the locale is also movable while the seating arrangements of the venue are a feat in itself with the last row of seats located a mere 40m from the stage. The Theatre Studio is another must-see point of interest as the experimental space comes complete with retractable seats, adjustable sound and light systems as well as the capacity to host 220 spectators. The Recital Studio in contrast can seat up to 245 guests and is ideal for chamber music showcases.
Other points of interest at The Esplanade include its Outdoor Theatre along the promenade which stages free shows while the Jendela exhibition space is spread out over 215m2 and displays local and international artworks. A comprehensive library devoted to the subject of performance art is also found on-site and is dubbed the Library@esplanade.
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Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.