DENVER—Shen Yun Performing Arts took to the stage in Denver for the first of its five performances at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on the evening of Jan 20.

When speaking of the ancient belief that Chinese culture was inspired and passed down by the divine, Dr. Bingham expressed that “there are some consistencies throughout all the world and all the civilizations. I think it’s the memories that we brought with us [from the heavens.] So, when we see depictions of the divine, it touches us and reminds us of where we’re from.”

Referring to the skills of the performers Dr. Bingham said, “they made it look so easy, and I know it couldn’t have been. [It must have taken] hundreds of hours of practice and dedication.”

“I think it’s part of the experience. Maybe a touch of the divine. The skills and talents—I think that’s a portion of the divine that shines through,” he said, “It’s not something common, it’s not something worldly. It’s something divine.”

Shen Yun’s orchestra features a classical Western ensemble while highlighting as permanent members of the orchestra traditional Chinese instruments like the two-stringed erhu and the pipa, an ancient Chinese lute. Shen Yun’s pioneering orchestration and original compositions have received praise from critics around the world.

“If we’re divine beings having an earthly experience, then [there must have been] portions of the divine that we brought with us. I think music is one of those things. Music and art—the expressions of joy.”