TORONTO—The renowned Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra brought encores and a standing ovation from its enthusiastic audience at the Roy Thomson Hall on Thursday evening, Oct. 16. 

It was the first time the orchestra has performed in Toronto without its acclaimed dance company, a chance for the music to take centre stage.

“It’s a wonderful evening,” said Andrew Day, founder and president of Day Communications, a company that focuses on employer marketing and branding with offices in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.

“I enjoyed it very much,” Mr. Day said.

The orchestra is unique in the world for its success in combining the distinctly different sounds of classical Chinese instruments with a traditional Western symphony orchestra.  

“I think it’s a good contrast. It really is making an enjoyable evening,” said Mr. Day of the mix.

With him was his business partner, VP Anne-Marie Callewaert, who was finding the performance both entertaining and intriguing. 

“They’re just very romantic and very melodious,” she said, commenting on the sounds of the Chinese instruments. 

“It’s really good for us Canadians that are not familiar with the Chinese music to get a nice introduction. I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Ms. Callewaert noted.

She also had warm praise for the musicians.

“I think they did a fabulous job, I have nothing but admiration [for them],” she said.

Mr. Day echoed those sentiments.

“I found it very different from what I’m used to,” he said of the concert. 

“It was very good. As Anne Marie says, it’s very romantic,” he added. 

With reporting by Dengyu Teng

New York-based Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra comprises musicians from the four Shen Yun Performing Arts touring companies. Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time.

The orchestra’s North American tour runs through Oct. 27. For more information, visit http://www.shenyunperformingarts.org/symphony