DALLAS—Noted conductor Hector Guzman saw Shen Yun Performing Arts’ first show of the 2012 season at The Winspear Opera House, on Dec. 16. He said he wanted to see Shen Yun because of the orchestra’s unique combination of Eastern and Western instruments. “That’s what I was really interested in, because I had not heard that combination and I was really fascinated.”
Mr. Guzman said he was very pleased he and his wife had come to the performance. “We’re very happy, we’re excited, we certainly would like to see it again.”
Mr. Guzman is Music Director of the Plano Symphony Orchestra, the Irving Symphony and the San Angelo Symphony, according to Virtuoso Artists Management. He said he specializes in classical music, such as Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and Tchaikovsky.
He found the orchestra fresh and unique: “It’s very interesting, the Chinese instruments. I’m not familiar with them, so... they’re beautiful. … The Eastern sound, it’s very, very interesting.”
Mr. Guzman and his wife, Daisy Guzman, both spoke of how well the music and the dancers went together. Mrs. Guzman said, “I think the coordination of the dancers was wonderful. She said she admired the discipline she saw in the dance and music.
Mr. Guzman said, “I think the combination of music and dance is very well done, very impressive.”
The award-winning conductor spoke of how challenging it is to join a live orchestra with dance, and how much practice is required to achieve it. “The music fits the dance, and it fits perfectly. No, it’s not easy ... You need to play.”
This was the first time Mr. and Mrs. Guzman attended a Shen Yun New York Company performance. Mr. Guzman said he had just learned about the group, which is one of three companies based in New York. “This is a new experience for me. I was not aware of the company. We enjoyed it thoroughly. We enjoyed the music. I think it’s very eloquent, very elegant, very well rehearsed, very nicely done. So congratulations to them, and I'd love to see them again.”
Mrs. Guzman added, “I love it; it’s so different.”
With reporting by Sally Sun and NTD
Shen Yun will perform at Winspear Opera House through Sunday, Dec. 18. For more information visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
