From now till 28 September, SMU Arts Fest 2025 returns to Singapore Management University with a packed line-up of genre-spanning concerts, original musical theatre, and student-powered showcases that spotlight youth creativity and Singaporean stories.
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This year, the six-week festival is themed "2560", commemorating both SMU’s 25th anniversary and Singapore’s 60th birthday. With over 300 performers from SMU and 160 more from other universities, this edition pushes creative boundaries while bridging generations through music, dance, theatre, and visual art.
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The festival’s music programming hits centre stage with COMMISSIONS on 11 September at SOTA Concert Hall. In this one-night-only performance, the SMU Chinese Orchestra will premiere three newly commissioned works by local composers, including Cultural Medallion recipient Eric Watson and rising talent Germaine Goh. The concert also brings together regional instrumentation from countries where SMU has overseas centres, plus a special performance by Singapore’s inclusive orchestra, The Purple Symphony.
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Also making its debut is SMU’s first-ever original musical, MAD The Musical, happening 26–28 September at Drama Centre Theatre. Directed by George Chan and penned by Jo Tan, the production explores themes of madness, memory, and identity in the historic Bras Basah precinct. Expect an emotionally resonant score featuring new songs by veteran composer Jimmy Ye, who also serves as executive producer.
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If you're heading to the Singapore Night Festival, don’t miss Live, Laugh, Lor (29–30 August & 5–6 September) at SMU Campus Green. This open-air party marks the first time all eight Singapore universities will perform together on the same stage. From collaborative a cappella sets to dynamic multi-university dance ensembles and local street-pop vibes, this showcase is set to be a major crowd-puller.
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Hip-hop heads can catch Return of RE:TURN (20 September), a full-length performance by SMU Eurhythmix at Drama Centre Theatre. Celebrating their 25th anniversary, the dance crew will blend traditional Southeast Asian dance forms with hip-hop in a fresh tribute to multicultural roots.
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Other highlights include 25x25, a visual arts exhibition reinterpreting works from the SMU Art Collection, and campus-wide activations happening throughout the festival.
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Tickets for SMU Arts Fest 2025’s three major productions — COMMISSIONS, Return of RE:TURN, and MAD The Musical — are priced at $25 each, a symbolic nod to SMU’s 25th anniversary. All ticketed events are open to the public and can be purchased here. Click here for more information.
