ROME, Italy—On the evening of March 19, Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company presented its ninth and final performance of the season in Rome at Auditorium della Conciliazione. The theater was filled to capacity, and the performance concluded with an enthusiastic and moving atmosphere.
Italian Interior Ministry Official: Shen Yun Conveys Traditional Virtues
After attending the performance, senior Interior Ministry official Roberto Mattei praised the values conveyed on stage. He said the performance “communicates a message of inclusion, tradition, and above all respect for others—truly a beautiful message,” adding that it left him feeling positive and uplifted.Mr. Mattei, a senior official within Italy’s Ministry of the Interior and Public Security system, currently holds a key role in immigration and border police. He attended the performance together with his daughter, Vittoria Mattei.
Vittoria shared that she gained new insights into Chinese culture. “I didn’t know much about Chinese culture, so it was great to learn something new,” she said.
She praised the performers for their dedication and technical mastery. “The orchestra is excellent. The dance is very elegant—you can see how much technique and practice it requires, which makes it very engaging to watch.”
She believes the performance brings Eastern culture closer to Western audiences. “It opens the door to a beautiful culture,” she said.
Foreign Ministry Official: Each Piece a Cultural Treasure Full of Surprises
Antonio Attolico, an economic and financial official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the performance exceeded his expectations. He initially thought the performance would follow a continuous storyline like an opera, but was pleasantly surprised by its structure of independent pieces.
“Every piece is a cultural treasure. The show unfolds like a series of individual chapters, each scene bringing something new and surprising. That aspect impressed me greatly,” Mr. Attolico said.
The name Shen Yun means “the beauty of divine beings dancing,” a concept with which he deeply resonated. He praised the performance as “extraordinarily beautiful,” adding that, despite not being very familiar with dance, he had gradually become aware of the richness of classical Chinese dance. “With the changes in scenes and costumes, the dance takes on different effects—it is extremely graceful and full of surprises.”
Mr. Attolico said he would recommend others attend with an open mind. “Come without expectations, and you will be surprised. It’s best to come like a blank page, immerse yourself, and you will be deeply moved and inspired.”
In closing, he offered his congratulations to the performers: “It was truly wonderful. Congratulations—we will come again next year.”
Since its founding in 2006, Shen Yun Performing Arts has presented an entirely new program each year, captivating audiences around the world.
