MINNEAPOLIS—Tonight Shen Yun performing Arts had its first of three shows in the City of Lakes.
Steven Wiese, recording engineer and owner of Creation Audio, and his wife, Lucia Newell, an internationally acclaimed jazz singer, were part of the audience on Feb. 22.
“We are in the music business, so we’re very interested in the music and the dancing,” Ms. Newell said, after seeing the first half of the performance at the Orpheum Theatre.
New York-based Shen Yun aims precisely to bring traditional Chinese dance and music from its 5,000 years of civilization to the world.
“The colors are beautiful, marvelous physical movements, and well-choreographed together. It’s quite lovely. I enjoyed it,” he said.
Classical Chinese dancers are accompanied by a full orchestra composed of both Western and Chinese instruments. Shen Yun’s unique orchestra combines expressive Chinese instruments over a rich Western orchestral background.
Having a music background, Ms. Newell and Mr. Wiese have the natural affinity to focus on the musical elements. “It’s very interesting. We’re back half-way, and I could hear all the violins and all the Western instruments, but then you can hear just a slight layering of obviously Eastern instruments also, the scales,” Ms. Newell said.
Mr. Wiese added, “Some of the Eastern percussion is very obviously brought out. It’s percussion that we don’t use often in classical Western music.”
Ms. Newell believes Shen Yun’s music has a place in Western musical world. “It’s a wonderful show. Seriously! ... lot’s of variety, movement, excitement,” she said.
“Looking at the audience here, it obviously has a place,” Mr. Wiese added.
“Yes,” Ms. Newell agreed, “People are interested.”
Reporting by Valerie Avore and Andrew Darin.
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
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