NORTHRIDGE, Calif.—On Jan. 18, Shen Yun Performing Arts wrapped up its four-show run at the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts.
The artists were met with a warm welcome and enthusiastic applause. Among those in the audience was professional pianist Anna Avetisyan, who said she “absolutely loved” the performance.
Ms. Avetisyan found the performance very inspiring because, while rooted in traditional Chinese culture and values, it remains very relevant to the modern world.
Based in New York, Shen Yun is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company.
The production is comprised of a series of short pieces that takes its audience on a ride through the dynasties and across the vast regions of China. Using classical Chinese, folk, and ethnic dances, as well as solo musical performances, the artists tell tales from ancient times to the present day.
Ms. Avetisyan appreciated its many layers and variety.
“I was very surprised to hear the solo performance by the tenor performer,” she said. “It was a nice surprise.”
As a fellow musician, Ms. Avetisyan paid extra attention to Shen Yun’s live orchestra accompanying the dancers.
“I believe that it brings the classical music and Chinese music—two different cultures—all together, and it blends very beautifully,” she shared.
“It’s very interesting to hear it because I grew up listening mainly to classical music, and now hearing them together, blending so well with the production—it’s actually very amazing.”
The company’s orchestra is the first in the world to successfully and permanently combine classical Chinese and Western instruments.
“The melody, [as a] part of the entire production, blends very well. It comes together with the choreography and the costumes. Everything is really, really nice.”
