Music In Life – Spring 2025

Classical Music For the World

In Collaboration with Fo Guang Shan Xiang Yun Temple

presents

Fo Guang Shan Xiang Yun Temple  6720 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78731


Classical Music For the World’s “Music in Life” is a lively, interactive, and open discussion on how life is reflected in musical compositions, while live music performances are presented and stories are shared by the guest musicians and speakers. When our emotions tell us that we need to shout out our troubled feelings, we can find these intense expressions in music that speak for us. When we are sad and seek comfort, we can find music that soothes our troubled souls. We can also use music to reflect our joys, triumphs, and happiness as we figuratively march in step to its triumphant rhythms. In short, life can be found in music, and music is reflected in life. In this program, attendees will discuss these topics and how we can merge these comparable mediums of music and life.

Discussions can span a wide range of topics, including nature, humanity, history, art, philosophy, religion, culture, science, technology, current issues, the future, and beyond. The program can also include film screenings and exhibitions.


PROGRAM

Part I – Sounds of the World: Music without Boundaries –  Venerable Jue Ji, Xiang Yun Temple Director

      • Chanting – Venerable Jue Ji
      • Dharma Instruments Demonstration – Xiang Yun Temple youth group
      • “Chanting and the Mind” talk by Venerable Jue Ji
      • Open Discussion

 

Part II – My Music, My Life  –  Francesco Mastromatteo, cellist

      • Paganini (1782-1840): Sonata op.34 and op.35 – Guitar solo, Noemi Passiatore
      • J. S. Bach (1685-1750): Prelude from Cello Suite No.2 – Cello, Francesco Mastromatteo
      • Morricone (1928-2020): Cinematic Music – Guitar & Cello duo
      • “Music beyond Music” talk by Francesco Mastromatteo
      • Open Discussion

Part III – My Music from Mexico to America – Andrés Hernández, bassist

      • Manuel M. Ponce (1882-1948): Estrellita -Andrés Hernández, bass & Joseph Choi, piano

Click to view the full Festival Program