The Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center of New York presents
The Planets & Poems of Ecstasy

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A truly spectacular musical event! The Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center of New York, sponsor of this concert, is proud to have been associated with the remarkable and masterful One World Symphony and its director, Sung Jin Hong. The thrilling, soul-stirring performance ended with the entire audience on its feet for a sustained ovation. Undaunted by Hurricane Sandy (rehearsal and performance space without power), the Orchestra persevered and successfully presented a beautiful and inspiring musical tribute to the spiritual unity of humankind. The Center was honored to commission Sung Jin Hong’s symphonic poem,The Architect, dedicated to the great world-teacher, Swami Vivekananda.

Your happiness and emotion on stage afterwards was probably the happiest I’ve seen you. I know tthat you have worked very hard to make One World Symphony what it is and seeing that joy on your face was moving in itself.

The program was fantastic on Sunday! I’m so glad I was able to attend. Great job again! Loved the world premiere.

Today’s performance was amazing. Congrats to Sung Jin and his debut of his new composition!!

Do you know how it’s rare to receive such an ovation of a world premiere not written by Eliott Carter or John Adams? You should be proud of The Architect and how your orchestra performed it.

Thank you for the opportunity to be at both the rehearsal and the performance. I wish my grandchildren could have been there! Listen, really, it was a great privilege and a true gift to spend so much time with One World Symphony. Anything I can do to help you and Adrienne have more time for the good stuff. Any chance of getting a CD of the performance or even just Architect? A happy and grace-filled Thanksgiving to you both.

We are so happy to hear and see you ! Very moving!

Bons baisers de Carensac, France!

I watched the beautiful video of the Ecstasy concert. That was put together nicely. To see and hear the orchestra was magnificent. And to see you in your element is quite awe-inspiring. I wish I could have been there in person to see this. I read the review and I must say I’m very proud to say I know you guys. Keep up the excellent work!

Your work is inspired and inspiring. Please reach out to me if you ever need a volunteer. You, your wife, and your entire team are a pleasure!

Peace. Love. Light.

It has truly been a pleasure to work with you and Adrienne. All at our Center appreciate everything you and your musicians did to make the Vivekananda Concert a great success. We are happy to be associated with The Architect, and pleased that it was well received. We’re sure you will be performing it again.

Reading the review of your concert made me LONG for our beautiful creations of yesteryear with you and your orchestra and my singing with my colleagues.

SOOO wonderful! What an amazing experience. Singing with you and your orchestra was the richest music-making i ever did in my whole singing experience. Amazing. Thank you for everything that you do!

I am sending light and love and prayers for you ALL from here.

I must also acknowledge and thank Artistic Director Sung Jn Hong and all members of One World Symphony for the spirit and courage they have demonstrated to make today’s concert possible. In spite of Hurricane Sandy, throughout the last two weeks, with communication and transportation systems shut down, and its permanent rehearsal and performance space without power, the orchestra was forced again and again to reschedule its own October concert, as well as rehearsals for this concert. It has been a herculean effort, but their steadfast determination to carry forward with this event has been an inspiration. — from Swami Yuktatmananda’s introductory remarks