Sounds of the Human World
Fifty years ago, Venerable Master Hsing Yun went to Ilan, Taiwan to propagate Buddhism. In order to inspire young people to learn about Buddhism in this conservative community, Venerable Master Hsing Yun used contemporary music and songs to bridge the gap. As a result, he founded the Fo Guang Youth Choir, which became the first Buddhist group to propagate Buddhism on the radio and record a contemporary Buddhist music album. This method of propagation was well received by people from all walks of life. Since then, all activities at Fo Guang Shan (Buddha¡¦s Light Mountain) have been accompanied by Buddhist music, so that devotees may better appreciate Buddhism through music.
Beginning in 1979, Venerable Master Hsing Yun has attempted to integrate traditional music with contemporary trends, and western creativity with eastern style. Numerous musical recitals have been presented at symphony halls and auditoriums throughout the world. Since 1997, the FGS Buddhist Monastic Choir has toured over thirty countries in Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia. This accomplishment has shown the world the wondrous sounds of Buddhist chanting and placed Buddhist music on the international stage.
With modern technological advancements, Buddhist chanting has broken through the confines of its oral traditions. In 1998, FGS started producing compact discs and video CDs to further modernize Buddhist music. 2003 marks the 50th year since Venerable Master Hsing Yun began advocating Buddhist music. In commemoration of his efforts, the "Buddhist Music Contest/Recital" was created to make Buddhist music more accessible to all people. The "Venerable Master Hsing Yun Lyric Song Composing Contest" encourages composers and lyricists to create and express freely, so that Buddhist chanting can reach every corner of our society.
We invite you to participate in this contest. All contestants must use the designated lyric library of Venerable Master Hsing Yun to compose their entries. There are no limitations on style, language or number of entries per contestant. You can choose any lyrics so long as they are in the lyric library.
Hosted by:
Fo Guang Shan (Buddha's Light Mountain)
Coordinators: FGS Hsi Lai Temple, Los Angeles, CA
FGS Foundation for Buddhist Culture & Education
Organizers: FGS Branch Temples
Merit Times
Beautiful Life Television (BLTV)
Buddha's Light International Association
BLIA Chunghwa
Los Angeles Sponsors:
China Airlines
International Composer Society
This music contest is open to all.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Application Procedure
1. All entries must include:
a. A completed official entry application.
b. Sheet music and demo tape/CD.
(May attach a score as accompanying
music to the main melody/song.)
2. All entries must be newly composed music. Any entry that is a work for hire,
has won other contests, or has been published for compensation is not eligible.
3. All entries must be limited to 4 minutes.
4. Fo Guang Shan reserves the right to select or eliminate all accompanying
music.
5. There is no limit to the style or the language of the musical entries.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Application and Lyrics
1. Download from www.hsilai.org (PDF,
Microsoft
Word).
2. Obtain from Hsi Lai Temple.
3. Request by mail or email
info@hsilai.org (please include contact
information).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deadline
All applications and song submissions must be received at Hsi Lai Temple in Los
Angeles, CA by Monday, March 25, 2008. Submission either
1. in person; OR
2. by mail.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selection Process
a. Preliminary: Two preliminary entries will be selected from the Los Angeles
area to participate in the final round of competition.
b. Final: Selected preliminary entries from all around the world will be entered
in the final round of competition in Malaysia and Singapore.
Please Note: Contestants and/or their respective branch temples will be
responsible for travel arrangements/visa application to Malaysia and Singapore
in June. All entries that receive awards in the final round will be released on
a CD distributed for free.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Awards
1. Preliminary (Hsi Lai Temple, Los Angeles)
a. Award for Participation (all contestants):
Commemorative Certificate
b. Award for Selected Entries (two)
¡V One song, US$1,000
¡V Souvenir and Commemorative Certificate
¡V Roundtrip ticket for two (performer and/or singer) from Los Angeles to
Malaysia.
(Ticket is non-transferable. Airline will be determined by the organizer.)
- Accommodation provided from June 3-10.
2. Semi-final (prizes include taxes):
a. Award for Semi-finalists (number of awards
will be determined by the Panel of Judges)
b. Commemorative Certificate & souvenir
c. Venerable Master Hsing Yun¡¦s Award
(Best Score Category - 12 awards)
d. Judges¡¦ Award (3 awards):
Award and approx. US$200
Based on overall performance of the individual or group and may be categorized
according to the following: Best Musical Style, Best Cultural Flavor, Best Fo
Guang Tradition, Best Stage Effects or Best Performance.
3. Final (prizes include taxes):
In addition to an Award
a. First place (1 contestant) - approx. US$3,000
b. Runner-up (2 contestants) - approx. US$1,500
c. Exemplary (3 contestants) - approx. US$500
d. Honorable Mention (6 contestants)
- approx. US$200
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intellectual Property Rights
Fo Guang Shan reserves all rights, titles, and interests in and to music entries
selected in the preliminary round. These rights include the right to record,
publish, perform, and all other intellectual property rights without having to
pay royalty or compensation to the contestants.