After several months of consistent practice and rehearsals, the Buddha’s Light Choir of Toronto participated in the 33rd Overseas Chinese Culture & Art Festival Choir Observation Concert held at the Living Arts Center in Mississauga on July 9th, 2023.  

The choir not only performed with great vocals but harmonious singing with creative movements. Three songs, "Magic Mountain Roads & Water Ways," "Singing Praises to the Master" and "Faith and Inheritance," were sung to praise Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founding master of Fo Guang Shan Monastery. 

The Overseas Chinese Culture & Art Festival Choir Observation Concert resumed in 2023 after being suspended for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has received support from 17 chorus groups in the Greater Toronto Area and neighbouring cities such as Hamilton, Halton, Waterloo, Guelph, and Mississauga. The performance repertoire included famous songs from various cultures. There were more than 40 choral songs, from folk songs to popular songs.

At the intermission, the sponsor, the China-Canada Educational Exchange Foundation, specially invited Venerable Chueh Fan, the Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, to deliver speech. Venerable Chueh Fan pointed out that music is the expression of emotions and every song is telling a story and to spread joy to others. She encouraged everyone to continue spreading peace and happiness with the hope that "Peace and happiness to shine over the five continents,” which was the great vow of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, and his life-long dedication.

Monastic Advisor of the choir, Venerable Ru Xing thanked conductor Ms. Man Lee Leung and music accompanist Ms. Karen Mark for their hard work and guidance.

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