BLYSO Youth Symphony Expresses Gratitude Through Music in Heartwarming Mother’s Day Concert

Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple
June 6, 2025

Under the bright midday sun on May 10, Buddha's Light Youth Symphony Orchestra (BLYSO) and Young Adult Division (YAD) of Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Los Angeles Chapter hosted a heartfelt Mother’s Day gratitude concert titled “It’s Good to Have You” at the Hsi Lai Temple Courtyard. The event, filled with music and joy, also featured a charity food sale, welcoming the public to an afternoon of celebration and appreciation.

Conducted by Mr. Shota Hanai, 67 young musicians used music as a medium to express their heartfelt gratitude to parents, BLIA members, and longtime supporters. The event opened with a warm Dharma message from Venerable Zhi Xing, second deputy superintendent of Hsi Lai Temple and BLYSO’s monatic advisor. She reflected on the orchestra’s 32-year journey since its founding in 1993, noting that its growth has been made possible by the collective support of the community. With the ensemble set to embark on a cultural tour to Taiwan this July, the concert served as both a send-off and a sincere gesture of thanks.

In her remarks, Venerable Zhi Xing shared a Buddhist parable, “The Baker and the Ch’an Master,” encouraging the youth to wear their performance attire as a symbol of professionalism and to offer their music with focus and pure intent. “This isn’t just a musical performance,” he said, “it’s a spiritual offering—an expression of reverence, sincerity, and generosity.” She described the music as a language of gratitude and a prayer for the well-being of all mothers.

The program featured six diverse selections, beginning with “Song of Fo Guang Shan,” written by Fo Guang Shan Founding Master, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, to honor the spirit of Fo Guang Shan and the orchestra’s roots. The ensemble followed with Mozart’s “Divertimento,” offering a light, joyful ambiance. High-energy pieces like “Dance Bacchanale” and “South American Tango Suite” showcased the orchestra’s dynamic range and youthful vigor.

The emotional highlight of the concert came with the performance of “You Raise Me Up” (arr. by Jerry Brubaker). During the piece, youth members presented flowers to every woman in attendance in honor of mothers, grandmothers, and all maternal figures—creating a deeply touching and memorable moment.

The finale featured a powerful rendition of the “James Bond Theme” and “Legacy of the Warrior,” encapsulating the ensemble’s determination and aspirations as they prepare for their upcoming tour.

BLIA Los Angeles Chapter President Echo Tsai praised the concert as an inspiring display of modern Dharma expression. “In today’s fast-changing world, the way we spread the Dharma must also evolve,” she said. “This concert shows how the younger generation is finding new and meaningful ways to connect through music and gratitude.” She also noted BLYSO’s active involvement in interfaith and community events, and expressed confidence in the success of their upcoming performances in Taiwan.