NEW YORK—David Auxier, a baritone, choreographer, and co-director with the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, said the choreography, music, and singing in Shen Yun Performing Arts was stunning.
“It is very uplifting—it is thrilling,” he said after seeing a Shen Yun performance at New York’s Lincoln Center. “Goosebumps happen, the whole picture. Mesmerizing.”
At the core of Shen Yun’s performances is classical Chinese dance and ethnic and folk dance. Performances are accentuated by a Western philharmonic orchestra that plays the foundation while traditional Chinese instruments lead the melodies.
“The music in this was beautiful. The orchestra was stunning,” said Mr. Auxier. “It was really well put together. The combination of the traditional Chinese instruments along with the classic orchestra was really moving. The sound was beautiful, and it all went so well together with the dancing.”
The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players perform operas from W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, who collaborated on 13 operas in the mid- to late-1800s. Mr. Auxier has been with the group since 1992, directing, singing, and choreographing.
Shen Yun Performing Arts, based in New York, presents ancient Chinese culture around the world. The performance is a cultural revival since the ruling communist regime nearly decimated it.
“For 5,000 years divine culture flourished in the land of China,” according to Shen Yun’s website. “Humanity’s treasure was nearly lost, but through breathtaking music and dance, Shen Yun is bringing back this glorious culture.”
The music in Shen Yun was “so lush,” said Mr. Auxier.
Interspersed with the dance pieces are solos by award-winning tenors and sopranos, who sing in Chinese while English lyrics are broadcast on a digital backdrop behind them.
Mr. Auxier said the tenor and soprano were both very good, yet the soprano was “absolutely amazing.”
“What a powerful voice,” he said. “She has such a presence, both vocally and in her whole persona. It was beautiful.”
Reporting by NTD Television and Zachary Stieber
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
Shen Yun Performing Arts is performing at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center through April 28.
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.
