TAINAN, Taiwan—Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company premiered in Taiwan on its 2012 tour, with its first show in Tainan at the Municipal Cultural Center Auditorium on March 7.
The New York–based Shen Yun has a mission to revive 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture by storytelling through classical Chinese and traditional ethnic dance, original orchestral music and award winning soloists.
Soprano Kuo Hsun-Ching was most touched by the superb voices of Shen Yun’s solo vocalists, who sing in the bel canto style and perform piano-accompanied solos.
Another aspect that impressed Ms. Kuo was the artists’ vivid facial expressions and the highly professional and exquisite movements of the dancing artists. “Their movements are so light and graceful. They must have solid basic training to be able to do so.”
Sitting in the front row, Ms. Kuo saw every detail of the artists facial expressions and their movements. “Their moves and facial expressions are so vivid!” she exclaimed.
The artists’ flawless performance blended perfectly with the digital backdrop which expands and transforms the stage. “I am especially impressed by the sharp and masculine motions of the male artists in Qing Imperial Guards. The image on stage, the choreography, the artists’ facial expressions, and the background projection, made me feel as if I were in the majestic scene as well.”
Being acquainted with Western art forms, Ms. Kuo was surprised and proud of the quality of the presentation of the traditional Chinese culture by Shen Yun. “It turns out that we have a terrific art group too!” she said.
Ms. Kuo studied in Italy. She was certified as a soloist by the Milan Conservatory (Conservatorio di musica Giuseppe Verdi di Milano). She currently teaches at the Department of Music in Tainan University of Technology.
‘Shen Yun is a must-see’
After seeing the performance, Mr. Wu Wenxian, a commissioner in the Department of Physical Education of the Ministry of Education, praised Shen Yun, saying it was perfect. He believed that to carry forward the traditional Chinese culture, people have to appreciate high standard performances like Shen Yun.
Mr. Wu was in the audience with his wife. At intermission he said excitedly, “It’s tremendous! It’s tremendous!” He commended Shen Yun as a fabulous art form. “It has considered all aspects,” said Mr. Wu.
He felt that all aspects of the Shen Yun performance was awe-inspiring. “The performance was magnificent overall; in the movements, the singing, the dancing, the backdrops, and the music. The entire representation was very good!” Mr. Wu said. He commented that the two Shen Yun hosts looked adorable-the pair looked handsome and graceful.
Mr. Wu was deeply moved by the profound meaning of the Chinese divine culture presented by Shen Yun. He believed that to carry forward the traditional Chinese culture, Shen Yun is a must-see.
He said that in today’s diversified society, we need Shen Yun to motivate the enhancement of culture and to inspire people spiritually. “For a city, if Shen Yun can perform there, it will bring more cultural air to the city,” he said.
He said he especially enjoyed the program Joyful Little Monks. “I felt that those little monks were very cute.”
He said that he would definitely invite more friends to see Shen Yun.
Mr. Wu, the founder of Yi-Zai Elementary School and now retired from the School, has been awarded numerous awards from the Ministry of Education, such as Excellent Principal Awards, and Teacher of the Year.
Reporting by Long Fang & Lin Hsin-Yi and Sunny Chao.
Shen Yun Performing Arts, based in New York, tours the world on a mission to revive traditional Chinese culture. Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company will perform in seven cities in Taiwan until April 8 and then continue to top venues in Australia and New Zealand.
For more information visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
Read the original Chinese article
Read the original Chinese article
