China's first Buddhist symphony, "Chinese Harmonious Music",
resounded Wednesday night in Kuala Lumpur, drawing thunderous
applause from the Malaysian audience.
Some 1,500 audience, including both Buddhists and people of
other religious beliefs, gathered at the Wisma PGRM complex in the
Malaysian capital for the grand concert, presented by a Chinese
delegation comprising more than 160 performers.
The 80-minute symphony is a perfect combination of Western
orchestra symphony and traditional Chinese Buddhist music. Themed
"harmonious society begins in the mind," it is a ritual music
masterpiece dedicated to the world by China, a country advocating
harmony both at home and abroad.
"The Chinese Harmonious Music now arrives in Malaysia, carrying
the friendship of the Chinese people and our best wishes for the
world peace," said Jiang Jianyong, Vice President of the China
Religious Culture Communication Association (CRCCA).
Jiang, head of the Chinese performance delegation, said he
believes the close ties and exchanges between Buddhist
organizations of the two countries will further contribute to the
friendly relations between China and Malaysia.
Malaysian Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Tan Chai Ho, in his
speech, gave a big welcome to the Chinese performers.
Tan described the symphony concert as a "very meaningful" and "
generous" gift, which was jointly presented by Shenzhen Symphony
Orchestra, Chorus of China National Opera House and the Sangha
Chorus of Shenzhen Hongfa Monastery.
The "Chinese Harmonious Music" is a big musical work of symphony
consisting of chorus, vocal solos and orchestra. Traditional
Chinese musical instruments find their place in the symphony and it
also has a strong line-up, with Yu Feng as conductor and Tang
Jianping as composer.
When the finale titled "the Lotus Radiance" came to an end,
audience rose to clasp their hands. For minutes, the concert hall
was echoing with several rounds of applause. Performers on stage,
in return, played one more piece to reciprocate the warmth and
appreciation of the audience.
A Malaysian businessman surnamed Tan, who came for the concert
together with his wife, said he was deeply touched by the Buddhist
symphony, a musical form which he heard for the first time.
"I am a pious Buddhist. It is really worthwhile to spend the
night enjoying the concert," the some-thirty-year old Tan told
Xinhua after the performance.
Marappan Raman, a Malaysian man of Indian origin, also lauded
the concert, saying it was "very healthy."
The "Chinese Harmonious Music" made its debut last year in the
First World Buddhism Forum held in China. As it has been well
received by the public, the CRCCA then decided to stage it outside
China's mainland.
Malaysia is the second stop during its May tour, which also
brought the music to Singapore. The unique Buddhist symphony will
also be played in Indonesia and Hong Kong of China.
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(CRI.cn May 10, 2007)