Most visitors come for short stays, stopover or conferences. THE ARTS Singapore's multicultural heritage gives its arts scene great variety. Performances are on outdoor stages close to temples and markets and are more frequent during the main festivals. The opera performances include, as well as drama and singing, mime, dance, acrobatics and fencing. Western music is best represented by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, a world-class ensemble which is often supported by visiting international soloists and conductors.
Chinese music has a three thousand year history.
Most of the instruments are types of flutes and stringed instruments. Singapore's Indian heritage can be seen in the displays of Indian dance. Classical Indian dancing was traditionally part of religious ritual. Dancers tell the stories of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. There is meaning in all gestures and movements, for example, hand gestures and facial expressions.