The home of the Renaissance will host Shen Yun Performing Arts as they present the revival of traditional Chinese culture from Dec. 27 through Dec. 31 in Florence, Italy. Shen Yun will present an all-new production once again at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.
The New York-based performing arts company has become popular the world over since its inception in 2006, and Florence is no exception. Last season, Shen Yun wowed audiences around the world.
Many who attended Shen Yun last year were struck by the technique of Shen Yun’s singers.
The director of Dante Academy Florence, Stefania Maggini, remarked that Shen Yun’s soprano was using the bel canto technique, the traditional singing technique used in Italian opera.
“Traditional China is very beautiful,” Marinangeli said. “It is a pity that communism has obviously made her sink, destroying that culture. Now, we do not understand the real Chinese tradition—we only see modern China. Actually, ancient China was completely different from communism.”
This was echoed by Nicola Armentano, leader of the Democratic Party Council Group in Florence. Before communism, “it was definitely better,” he said.
It “brings to mind a millenary history that we probably need to know,” Armentano said.
“I believe morality is a great value not only to be told today but to be told in the future ... altruism, the sense of community, the sense of helping yourself when you find yourself in difficulty.”
Shen Yun translates to “divine beings dancing.” Camilla Baccherini, an artist, agreed. She felt the colors and aesthetics she saw in Shen Yun were a new world—different from the Western art with which she was familiar, but beautiful all the same.
“Indeed, it gives the impression of a divine culture,” said Baccherini. “Very, very beautiful.”
This year, Shen Yun is set to perform in over 200 cities around the world and across five continents, the 2025 touring season is shaping up to be the artists’ busiest yet and a glorious treat for theatergoers.
