PHILADELPHIA—The city of brotherly love’s premier opera house, the Academy of Music (AOM), will stage two shows by New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts, one each on Jan. 2 and Jan. 3.
The Shen Yun company has dazzled millions across the globe with its classical Chinese dance and music. According to the company’s Web site, “Shen Yun seeks to breathe new life into traditional Chinese culture while providing audiences everywhere with an experience of sublime beauty.”
Because of the demand for Shen Yun shows, the company supports three touring groups that visited more than 90 cities during its 2008–2009 season. Shen Yun added Philadelphia to its yearly tour schedule in 2007, and the show will appear at the AOM for the first time in January.
According to information provided by the AOM, the theater opened in 1857 and is the oldest grand opera house in the United States. It remains one of the busiest halls in the world.
The main hall of the theater has a capacity of 2,897, but only approximately 1,800 seats will be used for each of the two shows to insure that audience members can fully see the high-tech backdrops that the Shen Yun shows are famous for.
The two hosting organizations for the Philadelphia Shen Yun performances are the Greater Philadelphia Falun Dafa Association and the Greater Philadelphia Asian Culture Center (GPACC).
Regarding past Shen Yun shows he has seen, Frank Cui, Ph.D., who is the acting president of GPACC, said, “Shen Yun uses beautiful dance and music to portray traditional Chinese culture and values, which were unknown to me, although I grew up in China. Watching the show was just like a journey to rediscover myself, and I was left in awe and tears.” Dr. Cui’s vocation is materials engineering.
He additionally said, “It was also a wonderful opportunity to expose my children to the best Chinese performing arts, which inspired them to learn more about Chinese culture and history.”
The liaison from GPACC to the AOM, which obtained the January dates, is Jessica Russo, Psy.D., a member of the GPACC board.
Dr. Russo, a psychologist with an interest in Asian culture, said the AOM is a “traditional, classic, gorgeous building, and it fits our show.” Having grown up in a family of theatergoers and performing arts patrons, Dr. Russo has been attending shows at the AOM since she was a small child.
The GPACC board had wished to contract with the AOM for several years, according to Dr. Russo, but the popularity of show and the popularity of the theater, especially during the holiday season, made it difficult to find matching dates.
She said that she had often thought about bringing the show to the Academy of Arts. Her office is across a side street from the AOM, and each time she looks out her office window, she sees the majestic theater.
About the past four Shen Yun tours, Dr. Russo said, “Absolutely beautiful—the dances are just brilliant. ... it’s absolutely stunning. I am moved every time.”
For more information about Shen Yun or to purchase tickets online for the Jan. 2–3 performances at the Academy of Music, please visit ShenYunPeformingArts.org
Ticket prices are $129, $98, $78, $68, $50, and $35. Other ways to purchase the tickets include calling the box office at 215-893-1999 or visiting www.kimmelcenter.org/events/index.php?id=3517 .
For assistance in Chinese language or to inquire about group discounts, call 215-475-4492.
