GENEVA—On March 11, Shen Yun Performing Arts gave its first performance in Geneva. The international classical Chinese dance company began its European tour with enthusiastic applause in a packed room at the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices.

Armène Stakian, Swiss violinist, first prize for virtuosity at the Geneva Conservatory of Music and the Royal Conservatory of Music in Brussels, came again to see Shen Yun for the second time. This time she found the company “even more special” than she had in 2008.

The violinist was deeply impressed by the Chinese traditional costumes made with precious materials and hand embroidered.

“It’s so very fluid. The costumes are amazing and then there are these group scenes where the movements are so well synchronized, the small steps, the objects as well as the sleeves... It’s so pretty; it’s absolutely wonderful.”

Shen Yun Performing Arts presents legends of ancient China which evoke the traditional Chinese values of courage and loyalty. Mrs Stakian was deeply touched by these stories in which she sees “moral value ... a guide that takes you by the hand” or “things that everyone needs in his own life.”

Shen Yun orchestra combines two musical traditions, that of the West and of the East. Chinese instruments such as the pipa and the erhu are accompanied with Western instruments.

As a musician, Mrs. Stakian appreciated Shen Yun’s orchestra and called it magnificent.

In conclusion, Mrs Stakian confessed to having been “greatly affected” by the performance.

Reporting by NTD Television and Michal Bleibtreu Neeman. Translated by Rita Lynn

New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit Shen Yun Performing Arts.

The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time. We have proudly covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006