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Comments
about the concert:
"The
performance was excellent. To my knowledge, it was the
first time that the messages from a spiritual Master were
conveyed through the music of a Hollywood symphony orchestra,
being successfully rendered by Hollywood sound legends
to spread their creator's noble ideals to the public,
which was indeed an extraordinary act. To those who are
familiar with Hollywood's tricks of the trade, this was
definitely a miracle."
Le Uyen
Phuong,
musician.
.....
"...here
is someone who takes what She has created and turns around
and gives back to the people who really need it. That
is something that is very rare and very inspiring to see.
You know, as artists, we sometimes get wrapped up in our
own world and our careers and what we're trying to achieve.
And I see some people who do very, very well, and a lot
of people give back, but I've never seen anybody give
back on this level - it's just very impressive."
George
Thatcher, composer and conductor.
.....
Dear Supreme
Master Ching Hai,
...Your
poetry and music has been an influence. So was Your concert.
"One World" was one of the greatest experiences
I've had in my life. I enjoyed learning the music and
shall cherish their memory. I have also heard of Your
work around the world and of how You have continued to
support people in need. You have my respects and thanks.
Specifically for Your work and Your generous donations
and gifts to the Pasadena Boys Choir. Thank You.
Letter
of appreciation from a member of The Pasadena Boys Choir.
.....
"...And
then, it grew and grew and grew as the event was planned.
I'm only a part of the event, but as it came together,
at least I came to understand more of it, it became much
more exciting for me to be a part of a concert for a cause
that is more than worthy. I mean, I do concerts regularly
and the cause is to play music. This one is to play music
with the tremendous intention of bringing peace to the
world. I cannot think of anything better."
Bill
Conti,
composer and conductor.
.....
"It
was the finest orchestra I've ever heard. The precision
and sound were perfect... With its 6,000 person audience,
the whole room was filled with joy; everyone was in love.
The whole show was flawless. All the entertainers were
very professional, including the MC's, the voices, Bill,
Peter, everyone. It's God's arrangement to bring people
together. Music is a universal language."
Dr Larry
M. Timm, event's coordinator and professor of music.
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ON DEC. 18 1997, a cold and windy evening, Los Angeles
witnessed a special event in the "One World... of
Peace through Music". It was a benefit concert for
the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Starlight
Children's Foundation. Produced by The Supreme Master
Ching Hai International Association, the concert was held
at the aged, yet charming Shrine Auditorium, which is
also the venue for the Academy Awards presentations.
As the theme of the concert "One
World... of Peace through Music" implies, music can
bridge the different races, religions, and cultures and
elevates the soul. For music holds the Key to the Universal
Truth of our existence. This musical life-force can bring
us peace in this world today.
Appearances by some of the most talented
musicians and artists from Hollywood, including:
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Host
Debbie Reynolds
(Star
of more than thirty motion pictures)
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Co-host
John Moschitta
(1996
Guinness Book World Record for speaking 586 words
in one minutes)
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Composer/conductor
Bill Conti
(Academy
and Emmy Awards winner)
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Composer/conductor
Fred Karlin
(Academy
and Emmy Awards winner)
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Beach Boys
Family
and Friends
(Pioneers
of rock and roll music in the 60's)
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Composer
Maria Newman
(Conductor
in residence at the Icicle Creek Music Center) |
Musician
Jerome Smitch
(Winner
of the Santa Barbara Jazz Society's Artist of the
Year 1998) |
The Gaelic
Storm Band
(World-wide
recognition for performance in the movie "Titanic")
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Playing orchestral pieces they
have composed from Supreme Master Ching Hai's
poetry, together with some of their own pieces
from some of the most memorable sounds of American
music, to traditional Irish melodies, this wonderful
diversity of offerings indeed demonstrated that
music cuts through to all tastes, all views, all
people.
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The Pasadena
Boys Choir
(The
oldest civil boys choir in the United States)
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 Wearing a sloping
shoulder cut white dress and plush shawl, the petite Supreme
Master Ching Hai appeared bright and elegant. Amidst a
warm, standing ovation, She walked on to the stage and
on behalf of everyone attending the concert offered a
contribution of $150,000 to the St. Jude Children's Research
Hospital and $100,000 to the Starlight Children's Foundation.
When the representatives from the two organizations thanked
the Master for Her generous support, She answered: "Thank
God," pointing her hand upwards and said, "You
are generous!" Then unexpectedly, composer and conductor
Peter Boyer took the Master's hands and invited Her to
sing a song for the occasion. Supreme Master Ching Hai
declined, but after persistent invitations by Debbie Reynolds
and together with the audience encouragement, She agreed.
Closing Her eyes, in a soft and touching voice, She sang
"Farewell Song", a song She composed Herself
in Germany, 1978. It was dedicated to all the refugees
in the world. The audience was intoxicated.
Where, where are
you going, my winter sun?
Won't, won't you miss me
Staying on this side
Of the sea?
Where, where have
you gone to, my tender moon?
How, how I miss you
Standing on this shore,
Water blue!
I wish we could sail
To the same destination,
I want to break these chains -
Oh, my desperation.
When, when will I
see you, my everything?
Won't someone hold you,
When you wake up crying?
Where, where are
you now, my only one?
Won't someone tell
me
If you will ever return?
After Master's surprise performance,
Bill Conti conducted for the audience musical pieces from
his glorious career. He then went on to play the most
beloved of Master Ching Hai's compositions, "I Will
Forever Love You", as a deep felt appreciation to
the Supreme Master Ching Hai for inspiring this evening
of musical magic. As he sat at the grand white piano,
all the earlier performers, together with fellow practitioners
and children dressed in international costumes, joined
him on stage to comprise an eclectic vocal group. As they
sang, the background scenery of four beautiful butterflies
transformed into brilliant phoenixes, thus ending this
magical evening.
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Poems
by Supreme Master Ching Hai:
The
Peace Seeker
Once upon
a time,
a true peace lover wandered around the many worlds in
search of eternal happiness.
She walked
on the face of the Earth, the suns, the moons and the
clouds.
At last
she found,
that it was all the while hidden in her very heart.
Then she
sat down,
and was about to enjoy the new-found Bliss,
but suddenly she looked down, and saw countless beings
were still groveling in darkness,
for they were searching for happiness without.
Just like her before,
erring over millions of ages.
Her tears
were then rolling down...
one drop, two drops...
and many more...
each drop became a shining jewel,
and soon the sky was studded with glittering tears,
which are the stars today. They are too shy in the day,
and too restless in the night to go to sleep.
For all
Truth aspirants, the stars are there to light the Way,
and to remind them of the compassion of a holy Sage.
Winter
Afternoon
I went to
a foreign street on a cold winter afternoon.
The snow threw itself on the dry treetops;
The houses on the roadsides lay silent like graves;
Pale street lamps stood in a stupor, exhausted!
I walked through a park, the wind in my heart,
A stern statue proudly stood in the winter scene,
As if feeling sorry for those who sought fortune and fame,
As if feeling sorry for those who suffered in this fleeting
dream.
That afternoon, I too wanted to be a statue,
Standing in the open space watching the buzzing scenes
A strange sadness overcame my sorrowful heart:
The compassion I felt, for me or for the multitude?
The
Prince
Whirling
night.
Fever runs high.
Liquid rhythm, golden tunes,
Trembling senses and fragrant breath!
The bamboos in a garden corner
Sing glorious love songs...
Together, choir frogs around the lotus pond.
And the weeping willows blow elegant kisses.
The aloof pine trees and cool faced water quiver
In silence.
Darkened firmament,
Shimmering candles,
Now glow with the vibrant power of love.
Time holds still.
And the worn out walkway forgives all trespassers!
O welcome!
Welcoming the Prince of Grace!
Whose melodious voice's clear as the sound of a mountain
spring,
And whose embracing eyes
Are blue as the water of the peaceful Azure Coast.
The flowers whisper:
"One would never want to see any other man."
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