SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Shen Yun Is Marvelous and an Honor to See, Says Film Producer

Jan 14, 2024
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Shen Yun Is Marvelous and an Honor to See, Says Film Producer
Bob Castro enjoyed Shen Yun's evening performance at the Atlanta Symphony Hall on Jan. 12, 2024. (Frank Xie/The Epoch Times)

ATLANTA—Film producer specializing in post-production of action films, Bob Castro felt honored to be at Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Atlanta Symphony Hall on Jan. 12.

“It was marvelous. It was thousands of years in the making, and it was an honor to be able to see such artistry presented gracefully and very professionally,” he said.

Presenting a brand-new set of choreography and music each year, the company has been delighting audiences around the world since 2006.

Mr. Castro paid particular attention to the Shen Yun orchestra.

“The music tonight was as beautiful as the staging and the choreography. It really did complement the show in every way. It’s so good that you could listen to the music alone and still be satisfied,” he said.

Using classical Western orchestration as the foundation, Shen Yun’s original compositions highlight traditional Chinese instruments such as the two-stringed erhu and the pipa—an ancient Chinese lute. Bringing to its audience the best of both worlds.
He was eager to spread the word about his Shen Yun experience, saying, “I look forward to telling the people next week about me seeing it and recommending it to them.”

‘An Important Message of Compassion’

Also on Jan. 12, Tony award-winning songwriter and producer Warren Lankford attended Shen Yun’s evening performance with his wife, Brenda.
Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company.

“It was astounding. We both loved it, absolutely loved it,” Mr. Lankford said enthusiastically. He was especially impressed by Shen Yun’s musicians.

“Stellar, first-class orchestra. Just really exceptional compositions as well. I enjoyed all the music.”

According to the company’s website, Shen Yun’s orchestra is the first in the world to permanently combine ancient Chinese and Western instruments.
The couple also loved that Shen Yun incorporated many spiritual elements into the show.

“As much greatness as I saw from beginning to end, [the spirituality] was probably the highlight for me,” Mr. Lankford said, referring to the final story-dance piece depicting the universe’s Creator coming to aid mankind in times of trouble.

“Just the power of the message in the finish—it was just incredible.”

He added that Shen Yun shared “an important message of compassion and that love turns all things around.”

Mrs. Lankford, too, said she felt love when the Creator showed up on the innovative 3D backdrop.

“It wasn’t fearful, it wasn’t scary. It was the light that we all strive to go for—the light of love, patience, and compassion. The principles came out in the finale just like a big, bright sun.”

The couple will definitely be recommending the show to their friends and family. “It’s a beautiful and extraordinary spiritual experience. An experience that everybody should have,” Mr. Lankford said.

“You need to get [Shen Yun] into the school system. It has to be one day that they’ll make a field trip. Middle and high school students need to see what true love is about,” Mrs. Lankford added.

“More people need to understand it—because we’re all one. Then maybe some of this hatred [between cultures] would dissipate. Come see it. It’s awesome.”

Reporting by Frank Xie and Jennifer Tseng.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
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