LAUSANNE, Switzerland—Jean-Christophe Geiser is none other than the organist of the Lausanne Cathedral, which is home to the first pipe organ to contain all four principal organ styles.
“I really appreciated everything that was done in reference to traditional Chinese instruments ... It is obviously a musical world that is little known in Europe and I found this mixture between European classical instruments and traditional Chinese instruments very attractive,” said Mr. Geiser at the Théâtre de Beaulieu, where Shen Yun will perform until the 17th.
“In particular, there was this interlude with a piece on this two-stringed instrument that was magnificent. It was indeed extremely harmonious and very calm ... and sometimes also very passionate. It was a very beautiful moment, one of my favorite moments in the show,” he said.
The classical Chinese dance and ethnic and folk dances were also a beautiful discovery for the organist of Lausanne.
The musician was also sensitive to the innovative technology developed by the company to display landscapes and ancient scenes to interact with the movements of the dancers. He was amazed by the use of contemporary technology to highlight a very traditional art.
Classical Chinese dance is one of the oldest systems of dance but also the most complete, drawing its techniques from thousands of years of Chinese culture. It combines incredible leaps, twists, and spins requiring a first-class athletic training, with an expressiveness that translates the dancer’s state of mind and deepest emotions.
Mr. Geiser was able to feel the energy emanating from the dancers.
“Lots of energy! If only because of the physical prowess of ... the dancers,” he said.“ What strikes me is that in general they are all with a magnificent smile. Even if they do extraordinary things, technically difficult, they always do it with a kind of ease ... of grace and harmony.”
To achieve and express this joy and compassion in performance, Shen Yun performers follow an ancient tradition. As explained on its website: “Like the artists of ancient China, Shen Yun performers know that to create true art, they must not only master the technical aspect, but also cultivate inner goodness. For Shen Yun performers, this means meditation and spiritual elevation. These virtues emanate from each movement, resonate with each note.”
Mr. Geiser said he felt in the performance “very, very strong values,” which resonated with his own Christian values.
“Christ said: ‘When someone hits, turn the other cheek.’ So this message is almost universal. In any case, it is also a message of our Christian civilization,” he said, adding that he felt “moments of great harmony.”
