"The feast of Dharma voice under the bright colors of maple trees:" Temples are planning to have the annual temple music festival this year again at the major temples.

Yukjijangsa in Yangju, Gyeong-gi Province (Abbot Jiwon) invites Sejong Cultural Center Artist Group in Seoul at 7 p.m. on September 17. Extractions from "Ida," "Notre Dame de Paris," "Cats," and "Lass and Scamp" will be performed by the Seoul Musical and Dancing Group. Performances of Cheonsang Jiyeon and other traditional dancing groups will also be on the stage.

Temple music concert is planned to open at 7 p.m. on October 14 at Buseoksa (Abbot Jugyeong) in Seosan, Chungnam Province. The singers invited are Beomneung and Neungin Sunims. There will also be a dancing performance of the dancing group of Cheong-un University. A special program is the recitation of poems by the author of the collection of poems, "The Wildflower of My Love." Another special program is the singing by Catholic Priest Yeom Gang-hong for the harmony between two religions.

Another temple music concert is planned to open at 7 p.m. on October 14 at Seongbulsa (Abbot Weongyeong) in Cheonan City. Invited musical groups are Kim Cheolsu Band, Cheonan City Traditional String Music Band, and Seoul Pop Orchestra.

Dorisa (Abbot Beopdeung) in Gumi is also planning to have the tea ceremony in commemoration of Priest Ado, who first brought Buddhism to Korea from China in A.D. 417. Singers invited to music concert are Ju Hyeonmi, Kim Beomryong, and Kim Taegon. Priest Dosin from Seogwangsa in Seosan, Chungnam Province will sing on the stage.

Buseoksa (Abbot Geunil) in Yeongju, Gyeongbuk Province is planning to have a music concert after the Hwaeom Festival from October 14 through 15. Simgok Monastery (Abbot Wongyeong) in Jeongneum, Seoul is also planning to open a temple music concert at 1 p.m. on November 5.

Music concert for the poor neighbors will be held by Wolbongsa (Abbot Osim) at 9 a.m. on October 14. It is the second annual Wolbongsa Art Festival. The theme of the festival for this year is "Beautiful Companionship for the Welfare of the Lonely Old Folks." Invited singers are Priest Dosin, Jeong Taechun, and Park Eundok. Besides the music concert, there will be an exhibition of traditional tea ceremony, bazaar, open door writing contest.

Cheongju-Cheongwon Buddhist Federation is also planning to have a music concert in connection with "2006 Musim River Yudeung Culture Festival" at 6 p.m. on September 15. Pujeon Percussion Instrument Music Group is invited, and singers are Jo Hangjo and Jin hyogeun. The traditional lantern exhibition, Mokchan printing experience, Yudeung Grand Buddhist Meeting will also be held.

Baekryeonsa (Abbot Beopsang) in Ganjin, Cheonbuk Province is planning to have a music concert in connection with 11th "Gangjin Blue Ceramic Culture Festival" at 7 p.m. on October 21. Music concert is aimed for the foreigners. Most of the themes of the music are for meditation with the performance of top class musicians in the country.

The Schedule of the Temple Music Concert

Name of temple Date Name of the event

Cheongju-Cheonweon           Sept. 15             2006 Musim River Buddhist Federation Yudeung Culture Festival
Yukjijangsa                            Sept. 16             Fall Sounding Festival
Seonunsa                               Sept. 30             Dedication of Bell & Temple Music Concert
Dorisa                                    Oct. 1                Monk Ado Tea Ceremony
Buseoksa (Seosan)                 Oct. 14              Temple Music Concert
Buseoksa (Yeongju)               Oct. 14-15         Hwaeom Festival
Seongbulsa                             Oct. 14             Temple Music Concert
Wolbongsa                             Oct. 14             Wolbongsa Art Festival
Bakryeonsa                            Oct. 21             Gangjin Blue Ceramic Culture Festival
Simgok Monastery                Nov. 5              Maple Culture Festival

*The photo is the scene of the performance at Woljeongsa in Gangweon Province last year.