COSTA MESA, Calif.—Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra wrapped up its second and final concert at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall amidst roaring applause by an appreciative audience who demanded multiple encores.

Bijan Eftekhari, Executive Director of the overseas Iranian TV station Andisheh TV, said he found the concert amazing.

“I’ve never seen such a thing. It was like a divine music.” he said.

Among the many overseas Iranian TV stations, Andisheh TV is generally known to carry more intellectual and quality programming.

Mr. Eftekhari was especially interested in the pipa, or the Chinese lute, and said that the sound of pipa particularly stood out to him.

“That was amazing, we really enjoyed it.” he said.

According to the Shen Yun website, the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra is the world’s only orchestra that combines both classical Western and Chinese instruments as its permanent members. For thousands of years, the pipa, or Chinese lute, has reigned as the “king” of Chinese folk instruments. This plucked instrument is often found in the hands of heavenly maidens depicted in traditional paintings.

“Using a Western symphony orchestra to present and revive China’s authentic traditions is no easy task. Interpreting Chinese musical styles on Western musical instruments requires remarkable versatility, informed imagination, and rigorous collaboration on the part of the composer, conductor, and performers,” reads the orchestra website.

“I’m really amazed with this kind of music. I’ve never heard such music. It’s very very good, especially the opening piece.” Mr. Eftekhari was very enthusiastic about the upcoming Shen Yun performance and said that he plans to tell a wider audience about it through his TV station.

Reporting by Sophia Fang

Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra is on a seven-city tour with performances in Washington, D.C.; New York; Boston; Houston; Dallas; Los Angeles; and San Francisco, from Sept. 27–Oct. 22. For more information, visit Symphony.Shenyun.com