Concert to celebrate Vesak Day and SG50 to be held at the Indoor Stadium on May 15

SINGAPORE - The Singapore Buddhist Federation has gathered 600 performers for a Vesak Day and SG50 concert to be held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on May 15.

The programme line-up includes sutra recitations by a 100-strong group of monks from the Buddhist College of Singapore as well as a combined choir performance by students from Maha Bodhi School, Mee Toh School and Manjusri Secondary School.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will be guest of honour at the two-hour show.

The last time it organised such a large-scale concert was about 20 years ago.

The Federation said that they expect an 8,000 strong crowd. Tickets will be sold from March 9 and cost $18, $28 and $38. They can be purchased at all SingPost outlets, from the Singapore Sports Hub website or at the Indoor Stadium's box office.

Concert producer Maryanne Tan said the programme also includes a performance by YouTube star, Dr Jiajia, as well as a drum performance by the award-winning Korean Didim Dance Company. She said the aim is to attract both the young and old. "We hope older folks will bring their children and grandchildren to celebrate SG50 and Vesak Day together," said Ms Tan.

The Federation's president Venerable Seck Kwang Phing said it is timely for the organisation to put together such a concert.

"We want to do it now rather than wait another 50 years. The concert is also about expressing gratitude to our pioneers who have contributed to the development of Buddhism and the nation's growth," he said

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