Mr. Mackintosh, an artist specializing in painting who previously worked in scenic design for television, expressed admiration for the production’s visual and musical elements.

“It was very beautiful,” he said. “The colors were wonderful, the orchestra was wonderful, and I really liked the different tones in the music.” He also praised the singers and noted the pianist’s exceptional performance.

From a professional perspective, Mr. Mackintosh was particularly impressed by the execution on stage. “The artistic effects were surprising and wonderful,” he said. “The movements were so smooth, and everything was beautifully coordinated.”

He pointed to the precise synchronization between the dancers and the live orchestra as especially striking. “When the music hit an accent point—like a drum or cymbal—it matched perfectly with the dancers’ movements,” he said. “Someone next to me asked how they do that. I said, ‘That’s what they do—they’re professionals.’”

Beyond its technical excellence, Mr. Mackintosh said the music carried strong emotional and spiritual resonance. “It tugged on my heart,” he said. “It was very emotional … it was a spiritual experience.”

Although he was not previously familiar with traditional Chinese music, he said he greatly appreciated it.

As an artist, he found the performance inspiring and said he was considering purchasing a recording of the Shen Yun Orchestra to explore it further. And after learning that Shen Yun presents an entirely new program each year, he expressed admiration for the company’s creativity. “This was so good, I wonder how they can top it next year,” he said.

“It was very beautiful and not overdone,” he said. “It felt traditional—in a good way.”

Reflecting on themes expressed in the singers’ performances, he noted that certain messages resonated with him personally. “I heard references to atheism and evolution,” he said. “And it made me think—when people move away from God, things begin to fall apart.”