Icelandic jazz singer and musician Laufey (pronounced Lay Vey) is set to grace our sunny shores once again on Sept 4, 2024. If you’re a fan, or as they say, a “Lauver”, you’ll know that Laufey’s passion for arts and culture is as intense, like a moth to a flame.
Laufey’s Guide to Singapore: Top Arts and Culture Events You Can’t Miss
28 August 2024
By Larissa Santhana Nair
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Musicians often have some of the busiest schedules, making it challenging to research and plan an itinerary while on the road. But Laufey, if you’re reading this, we here at Catch have curated a list of seven must-see events in Singapore for the month of September, all inspired by your enchanting songs.
And for all the “Lauvers” out there, use this guide to explore the vibrant local arts and culture scene and create your own special Laufey moments!
1. Write a “Letter To My 13 Year Old Self” at National Museum of Singapore’s Play:Date – Unlocking Cabinets of Play (Until June 1 2025)
Laufey might have penned a heartfelt letter to her 13-year-old self, reassuring her about the worries that would eventually fade away. But here’s a thought: healing our inner child is just as crucial.
This showcase, with its amalgamation of toys from collectors all over Singapore, offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect over nostalgic memories centred on toys – Barbie™, Hot Wheels™ and Singaporean favourite McDonald’s Happy Meal toys.
And if that’s not immersive enough, why not purchase some game tokens and dive into the retro arcade games on display? After all, as Laufey beautifully puts it, life is often prettier than it seems.
2. “Dance With You Tonight” at Ballet Under The Stars (Aug 30 - Sept 1, Sept 6 - 8)
Laufey might not be specifically dancing with her lover tonight, but we feel that the dancers from the Singapore Ballet Company can also make for great dance companions. As part of their season this year, the outdoor programme at Fort Canning Green features dance excerpts from Cinderella and Don Quixote – so be prepared to be mesmerised by their very demure and mindful steps of twirls and leaps.
And with Laufey’s love of ballet flats, it is all the more suitable to explore the dance form that inspired the style. One thing is certain – It is guaranteed to be a romantic and magical night under the stars for everyone.
3. Taking the journey “From The Start” at Between Declarations and Dreams: Art of Southeast Asia since the 19th Century (Ongoing)
For some of us, our first museum experience most likely was at the National Gallery Singapore, not just for its impressive art collection but also for its stunning architecture, perfect for those Instagram-worthy outfit shots. Which is why we reckon it’s fitting that Laufey begins her Singapore arts and culture journey in a similar fashion.
While she may have visited other museums, none would offer the diverse and rich Southeast Asian collection found here. This collection provides a deep understanding of the region’s history, both before and during colonial times, showcasing the vibrant and complex heritage of Southeast Asia.
4. ‘Just Like the Movies’, head to Epigram Coffee Bookshop at the Singapore Art Museum (SAM)
We all know about Laufey's deep love for reading. While she is already in partnership with Kinokuniya for the Asian leg of her tour, it must be noted that homegrown Epigram Bookshop offers a distinctive selection of offbeat literature by both emerging and seasoned Singaporean writers. Encompassing both fiction and non-fiction, these are local treasures you cannot find anywhere else.
Who knows? Laufey might discover a few new recommendations to share with her book club, and thus end up opening an international door to our rich local literary arts scene. And maybe, just maybe, she’ll fall in the bookstore into the arms of a guy just as she penned.
5. Make a new “Best Friend” at Linying – Take Me To Your House (Sept 7)
No, it is not because Laufey and homegrown singer-songwriter Linying both start with L. The two musicians are also really heartfelt songwriters and it wouldn’t hurt if Laufey made a new, platonic best friend from our sunny island. After all, both singers are known for baring their souls and connecting with their audience on a personal level, which propelled them to superstardom.
And while Laufey is at it, she’ll enjoy an emotional, passionate music set. This might even be the start of a new collaboration for her next album.
6. Experience “Serendipity” at the Singapore Symphony Orchestra’s pirate themed concert (Sept 7 - 8)
This is one event you simply cannot miss, especially since Laufey recorded an entire album with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. Experiencing a symphony or orchestra performance is a must whenever Laufey is on tour.
Even though she doesn’t have children or a family, Laufey should definitely secure tickets to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra’s “Pirates Ahoy!”. With a pirate-themed repertoire, the concert promises to be a delightful adventure, featuring classics like “The Pirates of the Caribbean: Treasure Chest” and “Sabre Dance”. It’s bound to be a serendipitous experience!
7. Prepare for your “Valentine” by learning batik painting (Ongoing)
When you fall in love with someone new, you’d want to give something handmade. To make sure she’s all prepared for Valentine’s Day next year, we would like to make a recommendation to Laufey: Why not pick up some batik painting skills while she’s here? This traditional Southeast Asian textile craft is a beloved part of our local culture, rich with symbolism and artistic expression.
Batik painting allows you to weave hidden messages of love into your creations, using motifs like flowers to convey your feelings. It’s the perfect way to express your heart, especially if you’re not a songwriter like Laufey.
Image credit: Aloysius Tan, COCOArt, National Gallery Singapore, Epigram Bookshop, Singapore Symphony Orchestra, National Museum of Singapore, Linying, and Bernie Ng.
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