“It was amazing. One of the best performances I’ve ever seen,” said Mr. Wandler, a financial adviser.

“I love the colorful dresses and all the choreographies and the history that you allow us to learn tonight,” said Ms. Clavijo, the director of a child care center.

“I really enjoyed the music ... it was just soulful. It just touched your heart. It touched your soul. And it made the dancing so much better,” Mr. Wandler said.

Among all the instruments in Shen Yun’s orchestra, the erhu gets its moment to shine under the spotlight.

“I don’t know how that’s possible to play a two-string instrument like that. It didn’t seem real,” Mr. Wandler said.

Ms. Clavijo used to play the violin, so she understood how difficult it is to produce so many sounds and emotions on only two strings.

“About that instrument—to think that just two [strings can] make all of those sounds and to share so many feelings was amazing,” she said.

Mr. Wandler added that the erhu solo successfully held the attention of the audience.

“Everyone in our entire row was on the edge of their seat. They’re all leaning forward, engaging with that piece,” he shared.