PHILADELPHIA—With contemporary art forms having more prominence in the present day and society drifting further away from traditional culture, one classical company is taking audiences—and the many artists among them—by pleasant surprise.
“It was a wonderful performance. So impressive. With all the choreographed dance and the message, and the unity, and all the talent on that stage was just really, really incredible,” he said at the Merriam Theater on Feb. 22, 2020.
Rob, who specializes in oil painting, was amazed by the performance’s color display.
“Oh, the colors were magnificent. Really just, the stage was booming with light and color, and it makes you feel good inside. Very harmonious,” the artist said.
As an artist, the performance has inspired Rob to embrace the colors seen in the performance. He also took more than visual inspiration from the experience.
Courtney added, “It was very refreshing. We don’t see that a lot. A lot of people keep the spirituality within. We don’t see that every day. So to kind of see it displayed in music and dance was just beautiful.”
Impressive Music Ensemble
James Groome, a drum player, was impressed by Shen Yun’s percussionists.
“Two young ladies on percussion down there in the pit, they’re awesome. Incredible. The show is really incredible. It’s very touching,” he said.
Groome said he was sitting in the perfect spot to be well acquainted and familiarized with Shen Yun’s orchestra. Shen Yun’s orchestra is made up of ancient Chinese as well as classical Western instruments.
“It’s very impressive. I’m glad I made it out for this,” he said.
Groome also enjoyed the spirituality of the performance. Shen Yun’s performance depicts a story about the practitioners of Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline that teaches truth, compassion, and tolerance. In the dance “Abetting the Wicked,” these people are put through a very difficult test of faith.
Groome was very moved. “I’m about to cry. I felt as though, the one about the communist China, really was very touching. I wanted to cry. It was touching,” he said.
However, Groome was able to see hope in Shen Yun’s performance. “And faith in what they believe in. Got to keep the faith,” the musician said.
