Mantra From Our Heart
20 June 2026 | Goodman Arts Centre, Black Box, 90 Goodman Road, Singapore, 439053
An immersive sound ritual with traditions meets in 60 minutes of deep rest and inner stillness. Non-religious.
"Some sounds do not ask to be understood. They ask only to be received."
Mantra From Our Heart is an immersive sound ritual led by Neil Chua — Ruan instrumentalist and singing bowl practitioner, with special guest Maathavan Kalaichelvan, Saraswati Veena player, at the Goodman Arts Centre, Black Box on 20 June 2026 (2 pm and 3.45 pm).
A mantra is not always a word. It is a vibration that returns us to ourselves — a sound the body recognises before the mind does. In this ritual, the ancient resonance of the Ruan, a Chinese plucked lute carried through centuries of contemplative tradition, meets the deep, sustained voice of the Saraswati Veena — an instrument whose sacred lineage traces back 3,500 years to the Vedic period. Woven throughout are the harmonic overtones of singing bowls, whose layered frequencies settle the nervous system and open the body to stillness.
What emerges is not a performance. It is a shared space — held by sound, intention, and the quiet that lives between notes. Participants are invited to lie comfortably on mats, close their eyes, and allow the living sound around them to guide them through five movements: arrival, descent, threshold, return, and closing — a complete arc of deep rest.
Non-religious and open to all, Mantra from Our Heart is designed to support mental balance, release accumulated tension, and return participants gently to themselves. No musical knowledge or prior experience is needed.
This space is offered by donation, a gesture of trust before the experience begins. We suggest $20 and above. Give generously if you can, give less if you must, and if giving is not possible, simply contact us. No one will be turned away.
Mats provided. Arrive 10 minutes early. Come in comfortable clothing — and bring a jacket or shawl if you'd like to be warm.
OUR CASTS
Neil Chua
Neil Chua, the first musician to receive a master’s degree in Ruan from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, is a Singapore-based artist dedicated to bridging tradition and innovation. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of RuanAtWorkz Musical Arts, a registered charity that promotes traditional culture and cross-disciplinary collaborations.
In 2018, Neil became the first artist selected for the National Arts Council’s Stamford Arts Centre Traditional Arts Residency Programme. His multidisciplinary work Present Past, commissioned as the opening programme of the 2023 Cultural Extravaganza by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, reflects his vision of reimagining heritage for contemporary audiences. He also created Ruan Tang, a multi-functional art space at Goodman Arts Centre for experimentation and community engagement.
Internationally, Neil has been selected for the U.S. State Department's OneBeat Programme (2014) and the Art Omi Music Residency in New York (2022), where he composed "When the Wind Blows, I Miss You So" for an improvisation ensemble.
As a certified singing bowl practitioner, he continues to expand his work into sound healing, most recently with Moving Mountain (2025).
Maathavan Kalaichelvan
Maathavan Kalaichelvan is one of Singapore’s few male veena instrumentalists dedicated to preserving Indian classical music while exploring new artistic possibilities. With a BSc in Psychology and an MA in Social Work, he seamlessly blends his passion for music with his commitment to social impact.
His performances span theatre productions, multiethnic ensembles, and dance dramas, showcasing the veena’s versatility across genres. Through these collaborations, he highlights how Indian music harmonizes beautifully with diverse traditions, reflecting Singapore’s multicultural spirit.
As a music tutor at Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Centre (MOE), Maathavan mentors young musicians, ensuring the veena’s legacy continues. His work as a social worker further deepens his belief in music as a tool for healing and connection.
With each performance, Maathavan brings warmth, depth, and innovation, making him a key figure in Singapore’s evolving music landscape.
We want to make this a safe and enjoyable experience for all our attendee(s) as such, we have put in place some house rules:
1. General
• By attending the event, you agree to comply with and be bound by these terms and conditions.
• The event will take place at Goodman Art Centre, 90 Goodman Rd, Black Box, S439053.
2. Age Requirement
• This event is strictly for attendees aged 12 and above. Please bring valid identification as proof of age if requested.
3. Seating Arrangement
• Attendees will be lying on the floor throughout the event. Comfortable seating arrangements will be provided, but you may bring your own cloth, eye mask, or blanket if preferred.
4. Ticket Purchase
• The ticket price excludes any ticketing platform fees.
• All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges will be issued unless the event is cancelled or rescheduled.
5. Entry and Attendance
• Please present a valid ticket upon entry. Digital or printed tickets are accepted.
• Doors open 15 minutes before the event starts. Latecomers may be admitted at a suitable break.
• The organizer reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone who does not comply with the venue’s regulations or exhibits inappropriate behavior.
6. Cancellation and Rescheduling
• In the unlikely event of a cancellation or rescheduling, ticket holders will be notified via email.
• If the event is cancelled, ticket holders will receive a full refund. If rescheduled, tickets will be valid for the new date, or a refund will be provided upon request.
7. Liability
• The organizer and venue are not responsible for any personal injury, loss, or damage to personal property.
• By attending the event, you agree to indemnify the organizer against any illness or adverse effects resulting from the consumption of food or drink provided.
8. Photography and Recording
• By attending the event, you consent to being photographed or recorded by the official event photographer/videographer for promotional purposes.
9. Privacy
• Personal information collected during the ticket purchase process will be used solely for the purpose of managing the event and will not be shared with third parties without your consent.
10. Amendments
• The organizer reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time. Any changes will be posted on the event’s booking page and will take effect immediately.
By attending the event, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions.