PHILADELPHIA—The father of Philadelphia’s culinary scene sees a bright future in Shen Yun Performing Arts.
The award winning chef Jean-Marie Lacroix, former executive chef of the Four Season’s Fountain, saw a world of beauty and goodness in the New York-based company’s production at the Academy Of Music on Jan. 8.
Mr. Lacroix, who opened his namesake restaurant after two decades at the Four Seasons and now oversees Brulee Catering, is a man of few words. Profiles and features of the famous chef say those who know him characterize him as humble, elegant, inspired, and as a wonderful teacher.
About Shen Yun, he was brief, but full of praise.
“I think it’s very hopeful,” Mr. Lacroix said. “Beautiful, beautiful visually. ... It was beautiful music, just beautiful music. Intriguing and very stirring, a little bit.”
“It makes you feel good,” Mr. Lacroix said.
Shen Yun was formed by artists from around the world who wanted to revive traditional Chinese culture through the arts. It is a 5,000 year old culture that was once nearly destroyed by the communist regime, which is officially atheist, while the culture is believed to be divinely inspired.
Thus Shen Yun displays themes of compassion, loyalty, piety, harmony between heaven, earth, and humankind—themes and values stemming from China’s spiritual roots—through music and dance.
Mr. Lacroix was intrigued by the grace he saw in the culture, and charmed by the music.
He saw a few messages—of hope, and of good versus evil.
“The world should be good, in a way. The world is not good now. This is good,” Mr. Lacroix said. “Carry on.”
He attended the performance with Vivienne Lacroix, who said the performance was just excellent. “Sometimes you lose yourself in the dancing and the music, don’t you?”
Reporting by Sun Lijie and Catherine Yang
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.
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.
