“I understand that the position of artists like Shen Yun is very difficult in China. I don’t think many people can imagine the crazy things that are happening in China,” he said.

“I would also like to say that the position of Falun Gong practitioners in China is very difficult, and I feel very sorry for how the Chinese regime treats people who represent the traditional true Chinese art,” said Mr. Hřib.

“For me, it was like opening new windows and looking into history, which is enlightening and it leaves an artistic impression. They are fantastic, everyone, the orchestra, the conductor, I enjoyed it to the last minute,” shared Mr. Surka.

“As a musician, it was very inspiring for me—different culture, different emotions. The orchestra played live, beautifully [and] in style,” he said.

“It was my first time seeing this beauty. Dancing is the hardest profession because it’s so physically hard and when you watch those professional dancers, you get the feeling that they’re just flying, but at the same time it’s so hard. I’m not a dancer, but I know this from fellow dancers I’ve accompanied as well,” said Mr. Surka.

“The animation coupled with the transition into physicality and the dancers and the choreography, the build-up ... from a professional standpoint, I know what it takes to make it work,” said Mr. Surka.

Spiritually, Mr. Surka was also deeply touched by Shen Yun.

“I also felt that it was a kind of message, a kind of spirituality, a return to values that we really miss. It was a kind of invitation, to reflect and understand that belief in oneself.”

He added that the introduction of Falun Dafa, “was enlightening and now of course it’s up to everyone how they feel and reflect.”

“In addition to the artistic experience, the visual experience, it’s also a reflection on faith,” he said of Shen Yun.