SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Musician Appreciates Shen Yun’s Live Orchestra

May 08, 2026

5/8/2026Updated: 5/8/2026

STAMFORD, Conn.—Joe Mariany saw Shen Yun Performing Arts on May 7, 2026, at The Palace Theatre.

“Excellent, I’m enjoying it. I love the fact that there’s a live orchestra,” said Mr. Mariany, a musician.

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.

“Very high quality, precise. Excellent performance. I know the culture of excellence. I have some familiarity with Chinese music or the bands from maybe the 70s, 80s,” shared Mr. Mariany.

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

“Excellent playing. All the soloists were excellent. Everything I heard. Some of the guitars—the ethnic instruments were nice to hear. They’re kinda mixed with the orchestra,” said Mr. Mariany, who was referring to the pipa, a Chinese fretted instrument with four strings.

Shen Yun’s use of its digital backdrop is patented. The technology’s versatility allows the set to change scenes in the blink of an eye, giving the stage endless possibilities.

“Digital integration was very good. No question,” Mr. Mariany said.

Tim Randall and Lisa Randall were also in the audience for this matinee performance.

“I love it. Very good, learning a lot, entertaining, educational,” said Mr. Randall, who owns a home care business.

Although Shen Yun is sharing the beauty of Chinese culture with the world, Shen Yun is unable to perform in China.

“I love it. It’s just wonderful. It’s very sad that you can’t see [Shen Yun in China], but I’m not surprised. We’re all about the culture,” Ms. Randall said.

Shen Yun’s website says, “China was once known as “The Land of the Divine.” Before communism, Buddhism and Confucianism were the two prevailing ideologies.

“I love that. I’m very spiritual. We were never taught that Chinese culture has all that spirituality, but that makes sense,” Ms. Randall said.

With 5,000 years of history and literature to draw on, Shen Yun can put on an all-new production every year.

“I think I highly recommend it. It’s totally worth seeing,” Ms. Randall said. She added that she came to the performance after being recommended by others who have experienced Shen Yun.

Reporting by Weiyong Zhu 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.