GWACHEON, South Korea—The Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company arrived at its second stop in Gwacheon, South Korea on the evening of Feb. 11. Among the audience members attracted by Shen Yun’s manifestation of ancient Chinese culture were famous names in the artistic circles.
Among them was Song Injung, a cellist awarded with a doctorate in music, marveled at Shen Yun’s unprecedented yet perfect fusion of Western and Eastern instruments.
As a musical expert, Dr. Song was full of praise for Shen Yun’s musical presentation. “Western and Oriental music presented by an orchestra has never been heard of. Such a large-scale orchestral performance is the first-ever one, and in combination with Eastern instruments, blends Oriental flavors with Western music. It is very innovative.”
“Before coming to the show, I had a clear understanding of Shen Yun’s features, and thus looked forward to it. It is indeed marvelous to have a program on traditional Chinese culture accompanied by an orchestra!”
Impressed with every detail of the show, she said, “Everything from dance, costumes to animated scenes is very excellent. The dance of female performers is elegant and attractive. A great variety of costumes, very beautiful and in brilliant colors, in perfect combination with animated scenes, greatly captured hearts of audiences. Overall, it is perfect and flawless. Never have I seen a performance like this.”
Dr. Song was particularly fond of the program Manchurian Grace, in which Manchurian noblewomen in their dainty “flower pot” shoes appear noble and dignified. “The Qing dynasty dance [Manchurian Grace] features gorgeous costumes,” according to the program notes.
In two hours and half, the performance presents the essence of 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and moves audiences of different races. Dr. Song felt as if she had a history class. “Chinese history is everlasting. Traditions and Chinese legends are gradually presented. With a long history, there are a great variety of materials.”
“After seeing Shen Yun, I feel like I have personally experienced a traditional culture.”
Cellist Song Injung got her master degree from New England Conservatory Music and a doctorate in music from Boston University, and has been a member of Bellus Quartet.
Reporting by Li Zhen and Amy Lien.
Read Chinese article.
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time. We have proudly covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
