SARASOTA, Fla.—For its final performance of 2014, Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra made its way to Sarasota’s Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, where it delighted the audience with its mixture of traditional compositions rooted in classical Western development and ancient Chinese instrumentation.

Dean and Penny Viau along with Dean’s sister Sharon experienced the wonder of the performance.

Mr. and Mrs. Viau were partners in New Jersey’s Goldtinkler Rumson, a custom jewelry store famous for very special one-of-kind pieces, before retiring to Florida. Mrs. Viau the designer, and her husband the goldsmith and craftsman. Mrs. Viau continues to design in her artists studio.

“It’s amazing,” said Mr. Viau. “You know, it’s the power of the music that comes off that stage that I find very intriguing, very emotional. … It leaves an impression with me. It’s really terrific, a terrific experience.”

Mr. Viau explained that listening to the Shen Yun Orchestra invoked a special feeling. “It just evokes a ‘goodness’. It brings up good emotions.” He said, “It’s wonderful. I can’t think of another word.”

An important feature of a Shen Yun performance is the expression of inner feeling, an expression rooted in traditional Chinese music and art. And since ancient Chinese musicians utilized their instruments to relay their states of mind, Shen Yun allows its audience members insights into traditional worlds rarely seen in today’s modern societies.

Mr. Viau found the Chinese instruments enriched the performance of the orchestra. He said it sounded, “A little softer! A little more lyrical!

His sister added, “It’s Ethereal.”

Mr. Viau agreed, “It’s Ethereal.”

As for whether the performance’s expression of inner feeling met their expectations, Mr. Viau said it went “beyond.”

Mrs. Viau added that the performance had “surpassed” their expectations.

Along with all-original works, a Shen Yun Orchestra “concert also features classics from Berlioz and Dvořák, as well as several of the world’s top Chinese vocalists,” according to the company’s website.

Mrs. Viau said, “It’s very nicely blended with the classical.”

She added, “It’s very emotional! It’s very powerful! I feel the music, you feel it through your blood. … 

It’s very moving, most definitely." 

She was very grateful to experience the music of the Shen Yun Orchestra. She said, “How beautiful it is that you brought it together and brought it to us.”

Reporting by Edie Bassen

New York-based Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra comprises musicians from the four Shen Yun Performing Arts touring companies. Shen Yun begins its 2015 world tour on Dec. 26, 2014. For information, visitShenYunPerformingArts.org. 

The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time.