PHILADELPHIA—A guitarist and a watercolor painter were among the full house audience enjoying Shen Yun Performing Arts at Merriam Theater on the afternoon of May 5.
Blane Bostock, a guitarist who began his formal studies at 13, said the orchestral music in Shen Yun was very good.
“It’s fun to hear the Chinese instruments with Western orchestral violins and strings,” he said. “They have a very vocal quality to them.”
Eshowe Pennink, a watercolor painter, said the performance was “very beautiful visually.”
The dancers of Shen Yun, trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most expressive dance forms in the world, are adorned with handmade, colorful costumes. They are accompanied by the orchestra as well as digital backdrops.
Mr. Bostock was delighted with the color palette.
“A lot of colors like purples and magentas and pinks that you don’t really see on stage,” he said, adding that the costumes “are absolutely fantastic.”
The duo experienced Shen Yun in 2010 and came back to experience the New York-based company again.
“I feel like I’m seeing many more elements in the show that I haven’t noticed the first time I came,” said Mr. Bostock.
Shen Yun tours the world presenting ancient Chinese culture, which was nearly lost to mankind.
“For 5,000 years, divine culture flourished in the land of China,” according to the company’s website. “Humanity’s treasure was nearly lost, but through breathtaking music and dance, Shen Yun is bringing back this glorious culture.”
Mr. Bostock said the performance makes him want to read about the history of the Chinese civilization.
Reporting by Ivan Pentchoukov 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 Proctor’s Theater in Schenectady, N.Y., on May 9 and The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater in Syracuse, N.Y., on May 12.
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.
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