Blending heritage with intelligent AV to create an immersive, future-ready performance space

In the heart of Singapore’s arts district, a legacy institution has stepped confidently into the future. The Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS), long regarded as a pioneer of classical Indian arts since its founding in 1949, has unveiled a new home that reflects both its heritage and its forward-looking vision.

More than just an academy, SIFAS operates as a vibrant community—where over 1,800 members and students contribute to a living, evolving cultural ecosystem. With 18 disciplines taught by a team of highly qualified tutors, the Society continues to uphold a standard of artistic and technical excellence that has defined it for decades.

Its relocation to 250/252 Middle Road places it firmly within Singapore’s Bras Basah-Bugis (BBB) arts belt—an apt setting for an institution that bridges tradition and contemporary expression. At the centre of this new space lies a 135-seat open-air amphitheatre, designed to host performances that demand both intimacy and impact.

Kalaiarasan K, Technical Director, SIFAS commented, “I engaged SL Pro to install the lighting and audio systems for the amphitheatre at the SIFAS campus on Middle Road. The venue presented several challenges, as it was not a standard indoor setup and required additional engineering for the installation of overhead equipment. We selected SL Pro not only for their competitive pricing, but also based on my prior experience with their expertise, as well as their neat and professional approach to both installation and after-sales support.”

For the amphitheatre, the brief was clear: deliver well-rounded audio coverage with clarity and energy, while maintaining a visually unobtrusive presence. Tasked with this challenge, SL Pro Group engineered a solution built around the QSC LA112 line array loudspeaker, deploying three units per side as the front-of-house system. These were complemented by the QSC LS118 subwoofer on each side, ensuring depth and low-frequency impact, while the Allen & Heath SQ-5 digital mixer served as the control hub for audio operations.

At the core of the system is QSC’s L Class platform—an advanced generation of intelligent, active loudspeakers that combine high-output amplification, integrated DSP, and networked control. With onboard Dante connectivity, the system seamlessly integrates into modern AV workflows, offering both performance and flexibility.

One of the key challenges faced during the installation was the limited rigging points within the amphitheatre—posing a constraint on achieving optimal coverage without compromising the venue’s aesthetics. The solution came through the use of the QSC SysNav App, a powerful design and control platform that enabled precise system modelling and deployment.

Using its Array Installation Modelling (AIM) tool, the team was able to simulate and visualise coverage in a scaled digital environment—optimising loudspeaker placement before physical installation. This ensured that every seat within the amphitheatre received consistent, high-quality audio. “The goal was to achieve full coverage despite spatial limitations. SysNav allowed us to design with confidence and execute with precision,” shared Angie Ang, Sales and Project Director, SL Pro Group.

Beyond deployment, SysNav also empowers the SIFAS team with real-time monitoring and post-show analysis—bringing long-term operational confidence to the system.

Recognising the importance of continuity, SL Pro Group conducted hands-on training sessions for the SIFAS technical team. “This ensures the team can independently monitor system performance and review operational logs after each show, keeping the system running at its best,” noted Angie.

This approach reflects a broader shift in AV integration—where knowledge transfer is as critical as technology deployment.

Complementing the audio system, SL Pro Group also delivered a dynamic lighting setup designed to enhance the visual storytelling of performances.

The rig includes six units of 19×60 watts Clair Lighting Stratos Pro Max Wash, seven units of 600 watts Clair Lighting IP65 Mojo Beam Spot Wash and eight units of Clair Lighting 300 watts 4K Zoom Par fixtures.

Control is handled via the Avolites Quartz lighting console, enabling precise synchronisation of lighting effects with performances.

“The vibrant wash colours and sharp moving spots, synchronised with the dances and acts, offer audiences a truly immersive visual experience,”  added, Angie.

The success of the installation was also supported by strong collaboration across partners, including timely technical support from Sindo Exports for the QSC deployment.

Kalaiarasan added, “SL Pro rose to the challenge, delivering ahead of schedule while remaining flexible in coordinating with ongoing structural works at the venue. The Clair Lighting system exceeded expectations, creating a visually impressive experience that captivated audiences during performances. Meanwhile, the QSC speaker system was well-suited to the space, providing a rich and immersive audio experience in an open-air environment.

Overall, the investment proved worthwhile, and we look forward to collaborating with SL Pro again on similar projects in the future.”

With its new amphitheatre, SIFAS has created more than just a performance space—it has built an immersive cultural platform where tradition is amplified through technology.

In doing so, the Society reinforces a powerful idea: that the future of classical arts lies not in preservation alone, but in how intelligently they are presented, experienced, and sustained.