CHICAGO—Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State, attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Civic Opera House on Friday April 20.
Mr White, in his fourth term as Secretary of State, is the first African American to hold the position. He enjoyed the performance, saying “It has been a treat as well as a treatment.”
New-York-based Shen Yun is the world’s foremost classical Chinese dance and music company. Shen Yun seeks to revive and restore China’s 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture, including the spirit and values of the culture, such as benevolence, honor, and wisdom, according to the company’s website.
“This is a wonderful place for me to be tonight,” Mr White said. “I see some wonderful artists, beautiful, outstanding singing, beautiful costumes, and wonderful, wonderful entertainers who take pride in their work. I’m at the right place at the right time, enjoying myself to the fullest.”
At the heart of Shen Yun’s performance is classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive systems in the world, according to the company’s website. Colorful, handmade costumes, digital backdrops, and an orchestra that joins East and West accompanies the dancers, along with award-winning vocalists.
“I liked it all, but I was impressed by those voices ... the voices are just something outstanding,” said Mr. White.
Shen Yun’s vocal soloists use the bel canto technique while singing originally composed Chinese lyrics, with English translation on the digital backdrop behind them.
“This means that the singer must grasp the highly difficult technical requirements of bel canto operatic singing while retaining the proper Chinese articulation and diction—today, this is unparalleled,” explains the company’s website.
