J-emine's reflexionando

Two weekends back we caught the opening of Sifa 2022 with MEPPAN – a collaboration between the Singapore Chinese Orchestra and the Tuyang initiative, where they bring together an enchanting performance which explores and evokes Southeast Asian rituals of their endearing natives.

I was not sure what to expect and took a deliberate stand to not read the programme booklet and to allow myself to fully immerse within the ambience and acoustic, and by the first set – I felt tears welling up as I translated the music language of being a conveyor of a gesture of sort, to draw upon the guardians/elders of the native land to hold space for a special ceremony.

The combination of the orchestral compositions with indigenous music and vocals brought upon a warm shiver down my neck and into the essence of my spine, evoking similar emotions akin to undergoing a strong sound bath or when I bring (attempt?) the singing bowls out for chakra cleansing. It was warm and powerful.

The soulful composition aimed to transcend our mind/ imagination to the pristine rainforests within Southeast Asia, as well as a spiritual tribute to the land, spirit, and native bearers. I am no expert in musical compositions but with an increasing interest in sound therapy and its effect at a surface and cellular level – MEPPAN, called out to my soul that Friday evening.

[Let me get through level 1 – sound therapy and I’ll come back to link up my learnings]