MADISON, Wis.—Shen Yun Performing Arts treated the audience at the Overture Center for the Arts on Wednesday evening, April 4, to a one-of-a-kind performance.
“I loved it; it was great,” said Ms. Betty Cleary. She was accompanied by her husband, retired optometrist, Mr. Gerard Cleary. The couple is remarkable in that they are both 91-years-old.
Mr. Cleary agreed and said, “We enjoyed it tremendously!”
By harmoniously combining a classical Western orchestra with classical Chinese instruments, the Shen Yun orchestras have unveiled a new musical realm appreciated by countless audience members worldwide.
Mr. Cleary expressed his appreciation for Shen Yun’s orchestra and said, “The music was very interesting. I have a son who happens to be in the Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra in France, and he is the First Horn that’s why I was interested in how well the orchestra did. They did very, very well.”
He praised the digital backdrops that display scenes of the natural world as well as ancient Chinese art, including classical Chinese gardens and the heavenly scenes often portrayed in Buddhist paintings.
“Very interesting—I thought it was amazing how well they used the background scenery and thought the people were actually coming off the screen, off the stage, over all, and it was very well done,”
he said.
Mr. Clearly was commenting on the digitally produced backdrops that not only show beautiful landscapes and ancient palaces, but also interact with the stage performers.
Ms. Cleary was impressed by various aspects of the New York-based show, “I loved it, it was great, I couldn’t believe the dancers, the constant movement. [I’m] so impressed. The costumes were so gorgeous. I really liked it.”
Ms. Cleary highly recommended Shen Yun and is already anticipating attending next year’s presentation, “If you get a chance, go see it.”
Reporting by Valerie Avore and Jeanmarie Lunsford
Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world, with a mission to revive traditional Chinese culture. Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company will perform give one more performance in Madison, Wisconsin, April 5, before traveling to Chicago.
For more information, please visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
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