Four hundred guests attended the program, including distinguished guests from the Cheonan area. Dr. Chul Hee Han, who served as executive producer, was thrilled with the result saying, "We built our arts center for exactly this purpose, music and art for peace!" IPSF director John Gerhing commented, "It was a taste of the Kingdom of Heaven." Broadway stage star Kiah Victoria, representing the youth aspect of the festival, sang "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" from the hit Broadway musical "The Lion King," the play in which she appeared on Broadway in the role of Nala. Soprano Seiko Lee then sang arias representing various musical traditions including Korea, Japan, South America, Europe, America and an excerpt from the peace cantata, "Halelu" composed by American orchestra conductor David Eaton and Israeli vocalist David D'Or. Two videos were presented highlighting the activities of IPSF and the cultural initiatives of Miss Lee and Mr. Eaton in North Korea and Israel (through the Middle East Peace Initiative) with a special emphasis on building bridges through music and art.
After intermission dance troupes from Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Taiwan presented colorful and exciting international dances to standing ovations! The ensemble from Sri Lanka created a piece, entitled "Sports Dance" especially to honor the IPSF. Several international IPSF delegates who attended the program requested that similar concerts be presented in their countries centered on the ideals of the Universal Peace Federation and IPSF. |
Concert at Interreligious Peace Sports Festival
- Written by: Interreligious Peace Sports Festival
