More than a quarter-century after Wong Kar-wai’s masterpiece first shattered hearts, one of cinema’s most aching love stories is set to return to Singapore in a new live-concert format. In the Mood for Love In Concert will take over Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands on October 24 and 25, 2026, pairing a restored full-HD screening of the 2000 film with a live performance of its haunting score by the Base Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Singapore’s internationally acclaimed Joshua Tan.
A Timeless Love Story Returns
Released in 2000, In the Mood for Love follows Hong Kong neighbours Chow Mo-wan (Tony Leung) and Su Li-zhen (Maggie Cheung), who discover that their respective spouses are having an affair. As they grapple with betrayal, loneliness, and the weight of everything left unsaid, the pair slowly forge a connection of their own—one that never quite blooms into full romance but remains etched in film history as a portrait of restrained longing.
Decades after its premiere, the film is still routinely hailed as one of the most visually and emotionally beautiful ever made. Its rich colour palette, smoky corridors, and slow-motion glances have inspired countless artistic tributes, fashion editorials, and revival screenings around the world.
The Musical Heart of the Film
The score that underpins this melancholy masterpiece was composed by Japanese musician and former rock star Shigeru Umebayashi, best known for Curse of the Golden Flower and the unforgettable “Yumeji’s Theme.” Wong Kar-wai himself once described the soundtrack as “a poem itself,” and its recurring waltz melody becomes a character in its own right—enough to make audiences feel every unspoken word.
At the Sands Theatre, the Base Philharmonic Orchestra will perform the entire score live from start to finish, synchronized with the restored film. This format allows audiences to experience the emotional crescendos of Umebayashi’s music in a way that a standard screening cannot match.
A Conductor of International Calibre
Leading the orchestra is Joshua Tan, one of Singapore’s most celebrated conductors. A graduate of The Juilliard School and the Eastman School of Music, Tan has worked across symphonic, opera, ballet, film, and multimedia productions. He has conducted internationally with ensembles including the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. His return to the Singapore stage for this production underscores the growing popularity of live film-concert experiences in the region.
How to Experience It
Tickets for In the Mood for Love In Concert are now on sale via Sistic. Given the film’s enduring cult following and the limited run of two nights, early booking is recommended.
For readers who enjoy cinematic music events, the same venue has recently hosted similar live-to-film performances, and Singapore’s arts calendar continues to expand with hybrid concert-screenings. This event also pairs naturally with other cultural offerings—such as Zouk’s new Rally Clubhouse (a café by day, bar by night) or the Singapore Grand Prix line-up featuring Janet Jackson, JJ Lin, and Zara Larsson—making October 2026 a rich month for entertainment in the city.
Whether you are a longtime fan revisiting the film or a newcomer discovering its quiet power for the first time, In the Mood for Love In Concert promises an evening of aching beauty and live musicianship—a reminder that some stories, and their songs, never truly fade.