SYDNEY—Joe Martin employs 180 staff in his electrical services firm and keeps over 80 vehicles on the road, so he knows what a sound operation looks like. He said the performers and the organisers of Shen Yun had done a good job bringing it all together.
“I’ve seen a few shows and this is amongst one of the better shows that I’ve seen,” Mr Martin said. “Obviously it’s distinct because it’s Chinese … it’s excellent throughout.”
He was speaking at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre after attending Friday night’s performance with his wife.
“I love the live music, better than recorded, you’re getting a live sound. The acoustics were excellent; the dancers, the performances including the singing—the tenor was excellent; the variety in dance with all of the different rolling, tumbling, somersaults as well as the general movement from the ballet to the various dance movements; the expressions in the dance of the music, really just top class, professional and very much enjoyed it.”
Shen Yun draws from 5,000 years of Chinese culture, using classical Chinese dance to bring to life the flair and characteristics of various Chinese dynasties as a means to portray China’s divinely-bestowed heritage.
The Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company, one of three Shen Yun companies now touring the world, is performing in Sydney until Sunday May 6.
Each company travels with a full orchestra, and there are also dances from various Chinese ethnic groups, and solo singing and solo musical performances. Digital backdrops bring the scenes to life, including depictions of famous myths and legends.
Mr. Martin said a number of performances stood out, particularly the solo bel canto-style singing. “The tenor had a, just the quality of voice—Hong Ming, … the resonance in his voice was just world class, it was excellent.”
Reporting by Luke Hughes and Ethan Yang.
Shen Yun Performing Arts, based in New York, has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world, with a mission to revive traditional Chinese culture. Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company will perform at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre through May 6.
For more information visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
