MIAMI—Aida Fishman, former cultural minister of Costa Rica, was very interested to see Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra’s use of both classical Western and traditional Chinese instruments.

Ms. Fishman, who came to see the performance with her friend Janeete Meltzer, said that experiencing the different instruments was very interesting for them.

Throughout her career, Ms. Fishman has served in executive positions for a number of artistic and cultural institutions and has served as the president of Costa Rica’s National Dance Company and the National Symphony Orchestra. She is also a psychologist and a journalism professor. 

According to Ms. Fishman, music is one of her country’s greatest assets. In Costa Rican schools, children are brought up with music from an early age. She said that Costa Rica has the first children’s orchestra in a school for classical music.

She noted that the Shen Yun Orchestra’s use of traditional Chinese instruments provides a great opportunity for audiences to learn more about Chinese culture and music. 

“Accentuating the beauty of ancient Chinese instruments amidst the grandeur of a Western symphony, Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra is restoring the glorious heritage of ancient Chinese melodies, blazing a band-new path in the world of classical music,” reads Shen Yun’s website.

Ms. Fishman was not alone in her view. Ms. Meltzer added, “The fact that they could combine the Chinese traditional instruments with the Western instruments was very interesting.”

“It was very interesting and a great night,” Ms. Fishman said.

Reporting by Sherry Dong

New York-based Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra comprises musicians from the four Shen Yun Performing Arts touring companies. Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time.

The orchestra’s North American tour runs through Oct. 27. For more information, visit http://www.shenyunperformingarts.org/symphony