NEW YORK—“The music transcended the soul,” said Gail Gray, after attending the performance by Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra Saturday afternoon at Carnegie Hall.

“I feel very happy. Happy for humanity,” she said after attending the performance.

Her husband, Andrew Gray, owner of Seaside Construction, said he thought the performance was uplifting and felt privileged to have been at the concert.

“Just an outstanding performance, wonderful. A great experience,” Mr. Gray said.

“First, the Western orchestra serves as a foundation, accentuating the distinct sound of Chinese instruments. Second, the bedrock of soul-stirring melodies from the ancient Middle Kingdom is fully brought to life by a Western symphony,” says the orchestra’s website.

It’s an approach that has been extremely well received.

“The entire orchestra is so in sync. It’s just unbelievable.” said Mr. Marandola after watching the performance.

For Katherine Fennelly, a professor of public policy at the University of Minnesota, the blend of the traditional Chinese music with the symphony orchestra was very enjoyable.

“I thought that was beautiful,” she said.

The soloists use bel canto’s genuine high-note technique, a traditional method being revived by Shen Yun.

The pieces they perform are all-original by Shen Yun, and contain deep reflections about life.

“The singers, they were beautiful, both the male and the female, the tenor and the soprano were wonderful,” Mrs. Gray said.