Norfolk,Virginia, the home of the world’s largest naval base, hosted Shen Yun Performing Arts at Chrysler Hall on Feb, 8.
Shen Yun performances are accompanied by a live orchestra that blends two musical traditions, the Eastern and the Western.
Tom Baise, a bassoonist with the Richmond Philharmonic, said he was glad to see the orchestra getting the recognition that it deserved.
“I don’t remember going to a show where the musicians in the pit were recognized the way they were recognized today. It was really very good to see that,” Baise said. “It’s really beyond comparison. We haven’t had anything like that.”
Shen Yun has a 30-foot high digital backdrop that projects animated images, extending the stage and transporting the audience to a different times and places.
“It was a really, really beautiful presentation. The coordination between the background [digital backdrop] and the stage and the musicians was outstanding. It just couldn’t be any better,” Baise added.
“They’re fantastic, really, really impressed. Especially the way the screen is in the back and performers come in and out. It’s really remarkable,” said Mark Delevie, an attorney.
“They are bringing a message of peace,” he said. “They are bringing a message of traditional values and artistic creativity.
“I think it is really great what they are doing.”
