SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Latvian Pianist and Composer: Shen Yun Is Extraordinarily Beautiful

Jan 06, 2026

1/6/2026Updated: 1/6/2026

RIGA, Latvia—Pianist and composer, Vestards Šimkus, saw Shen Yun Performing Arts’ evening performance at the Dailes Theatre, Big hall on Jan. 3, 2026.

“The first thing that comes to mind when watching this magnificent dance performance is that it is extraordinarily beautiful. The beauty in it is developed to the highest level that a human being is capable of achieving,” Mr. Šimkus said.

Shen Yun, based in New York, is on a mission to present “China before communism,” and revive people’s connection with 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and culture.

“The main insight is that tradition can always be meaningful in all times. It is important to serve it, and it is important to bring it to life again and again. Because it is the voice of our ancestors’ history, which can help us see more clearly what is happening today,” Mr. Šimkus said.

Because of Shen Yun’s truthful depiction of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Shen Yun is unable to perform in China.

“Communism and leftist ideology, in my opinion, are an extremely great evil in the world. And the fact that such spiritually inspired, uplifting, and beautiful art cannot be seen in such a large country as China is very sad,” Mr. Šimkus expressed.

He added that Latvia has also experienced communist rule and the censorship of traditional culture.

“I hope that China will also recover from this ideology,” he said.

The Shen Yun Orchestra, which tours with Shen Yun, is a unique combination of traditional Chinese instruments and a classic Western ensemble.

“As a musician, I am especially delighted that Western classical music instruments and traditional Chinese instruments can sound together so naturally, organically, and harmoniously,” Mr. Šimkus said.

Shen Yun’s artists are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.

“I think this entire dance performance is the best possible way to introduce people to the richness of traditional Chinese culture. …The virtuosity of the dancers is something that makes me forget to breathe and gives me goosebumps again and again as I watch,” Mr. Šimkus said.

He added that he would definitely recommend Shen Yun to his colleagues.

“I would definitely encourage my colleagues to attend this performance, to see something so beautiful that they most likely have never seen in their lives before,” Mr. Šimkus said.

Reporting by NTD and Maria Han.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.