NEW YORK—Sunday, January 25, in New York was fresh but sunny, and nowhere was it brighter than at Radio City Music Hall. The crowds, largely Chinese but many Westerners too, were rugged up and ‘ready for action’ as they took their seats for the matinee session of the new season Divine Performing Arts show, the “Chinese New Year Splendor.”
The audience was not disappointed. ‘Oohs’ and ‘Aahs’ were audible as dancers, soloists and the live orchestra took the theatre through scenes of China’s five thousand year history.
Tenor Hong Ming was called upon for an encore following his solo of “Rest in Knowing”. The dancers dazzled the young and mesmerised the seniors, the digital effects transported all into other worlds and other dimensions, and the crowd took to its feet for a standing ovation at the finale.
Chinese national, Mr. Song was impressed. “The show is very good, very good, wonderful show.”
He was most appreciative that the performance group were bringing back traditional Chinese culture. “[It] just tells the people the truth about Chinese people,” he said.
He mentioned the two pieces depicting the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China saying Falun Gong had changed people for the better. “[They] have some heart for other people,” he said.
Dr. Cassileth, offered a Western perspective.
“Well, of course the music, the dancing, and the skill of the performers, the costumes, everything is absolutely glorious.”
Dr. Cassileth also welcomed the framework of traditional Chinese culture saying, “I very much like the portrayal of the ancient traditions and beliefs and cultural interactions ..It’s lovely to see it and very important.”
Please see DivinePerformingArts.org for more information.
The audience was not disappointed. ‘Oohs’ and ‘Aahs’ were audible as dancers, soloists and the live orchestra took the theatre through scenes of China’s five thousand year history.
Tenor Hong Ming was called upon for an encore following his solo of “Rest in Knowing”. The dancers dazzled the young and mesmerised the seniors, the digital effects transported all into other worlds and other dimensions, and the crowd took to its feet for a standing ovation at the finale.
Chinese national, Mr. Song was impressed. “The show is very good, very good, wonderful show.”
He was most appreciative that the performance group were bringing back traditional Chinese culture. “[It] just tells the people the truth about Chinese people,” he said.
He mentioned the two pieces depicting the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China saying Falun Gong had changed people for the better. “[They] have some heart for other people,” he said.
Dr. Cassileth, offered a Western perspective.
“Well, of course the music, the dancing, and the skill of the performers, the costumes, everything is absolutely glorious.”
Dr. Cassileth also welcomed the framework of traditional Chinese culture saying, “I very much like the portrayal of the ancient traditions and beliefs and cultural interactions ..It’s lovely to see it and very important.”
Please see DivinePerformingArts.org for more information.
