PITTSBURGH—William Haines took fellow-musician Erin Moro to see Shen Yun Performing Arts, Feb. 20, at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts as a surprise for their anniversary.

“It was gorgeous, it was amazing to see that much culture in one night,” Ms. Moro said. “We’re both musicians, so the music was amazing, and getting to see the art come together was really enjoyable.”

According to the company’s website, at first glance “Shen Yun has set out on a mission to revive 5,000 years of civilization, through sophisticated dance techniques, an orchestra joining instruments from both the East and West, beautiful costumes, and a stunning back drop.”

“But digging deeper,” it continues, “one discovers a sea of traditional Chinese culture,” where “mortals and divine beings merge on stage as one.”

Mr. Haines particularly enjoyed the choreography and the bel canto-style vocalists.

“Everything is really nice and tight,” he said. “It came together as a whole thing very nicely.”

Both he and Ms. Moro studied music, and are currently teaching music.

Mr. Haines found the Shen Yun Orchestra intriguing.

“It was interesting to see the Western [instruments] that are only about 2,000 years old, helping to celebrate a culture that’s 5,000 years old,” he said.

Mr. Haines said he had not before heard the ancient Chinese instruments, the two-stringed erhu, and the woodwind suona.

“I thought it was really cool, really appreciated it … loved it, loved it,” Mr. Haines said.

Ms. Moro said she found the song lyrics educational and novel.

She was also surprised to learn that forms of dance she thought were Western, originated in China.

Reporting by Geng Jie and Raiatea Tahana-Reese

New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit Shen Yun Performing Arts.

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.