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BOSTON—As New England theatergoers anticipate the return of Shen Yun Performing Arts as part of its 2013 World Tour, officials from Massachusetts and Rhode Island expressed their greetings and appreciation to the premier classical Chinese dance and music company.
“On behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I send warm greetings as you gather for Shen Yun 2013. Welcome to Boston!” wrote Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick in a letter.
Gov. Patrick thanked the sponsoring organization, the Falun Dafa Association of New England, for “facilitating another year of breathtaking performances for all to enjoy.”
This year marks New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts’ seventh world tour, which launched in December and is now in full swing. Its three touring companies are scheduled to perform in around 100 cities in North and South America, Asia, Australia, and Europe, according to a press release on the company’s website.
“Hundreds of dancers, musicians, singers, and technical crew will spend five months on the road—united by the mission of reviving 5,000 years of civilization and its treasured virtues,” the release states.
Boston’s Mayor Thomas Menino wrote, “I am pleased to welcome Shen Yun Performing Arts to Boston as they bring their impressive talents to our city.”
“Part of what makes Boston so great and unique is our wealth of culture and arts,” he continued. “The Shen Yun Performing Arts group will only further enrich the dance and music community here in Boston, allowing people throughout Massachusetts to enjoy a celebration of Chinese culture and tradition.”
Shen Yun was first formed “when a group of classical Chinese artists came together with a mission to revive the true, divinely inspired culture of China,” the website states. “Shen Yun’s quest has since drawn top talent from around the world—many are winners of international competitions in dance and choreography, music, and singing.”
Shen Yun started with just one company but now consists of three dance companies and three orchestras, totaling some 300 artists. One of the three, the Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company, will be visiting Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
U.S. Rep. Edward Markey wrote that it was his pleasure to welcome Shen Yun Performing Arts to Massachusetts. “As in years past, I’m sure this year’s performance will enthrall audiences of all ages,” he said.
U.S. Rep. James McGovern said, “I am pleased to send my warmest regards to the world-class Shen Yun Performing Arts and welcome them to Massachusetts.” He also thanked the Falun Dafa Association of New England for sponsoring Shen Yun “so that Chinese culture can be experienced by patrons of both the Opera House in Boston and the Hanover Theatre in Worcester.”
The Boston Opera House will once again be the venue when the company returns to the city, this year for five performances, Friday through Sunday, Feb. 8–10.
