NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.—Cecilia Birge, Deputy Mayor of Montgomery Township thought that watching Divine Performing Arts (DPA)at New Brunswick’s State Theater was an ideal way to celebrate Chinese New Year’s eve.
“It certainly brings hope in the year of the Ox so it’s wonderful to celebrate together with everybody, Western and Eastern together, American and Chinese together on New Year’s eve,” said Mrs. Birge who attended the performance with her husband.
Mrs. Birge served as the first and only Asian American woman to be a New Jersey mayor, a post she held for two years before becoming Deputy Mayor. This was a remarkable achievement for a woman who only became a U.S. citizen in 2001.
Originally from Beijing, Mrs. Birge came to the United States in 1990 after taking part in the Tiananmen Square student democracy protests that ended with a brutal crackdown.
“I thought it was wonderful because it was quintessentially Chinese but also accessible to Western ears and that’s also a true reflection of the Chinese-American heritage,” said Mrs. Birge referring specifically to the unique blend of Western and Chinese instruments.
The orchestra of the Divine Performing Arts uses Western instruments as its foundation. It then supplements this with a variety of Chinese instruments.
“I thought it was wonderful. It was really splendid,” she said.
Speaking at intermission, her favorite performance of the first half was the Tang Court drummers. This was not just because she enjoyed the music but also because the Tang dynasty was a period in which China flourished culturally.
“That was the highlight for me because it’s very easily understandable because of the rhythm of it but also because it’s a reflection of the Tang dynasty. It really showed all of that – the excitement and enthusiasm in the performers.”
“A Wonderful combination of the past and the future,” she said.
Please see DivinePerformingArts.org for more information.
With reporting by NTDTV
