WASHINGTON, D.C.—As the former president of the National Symphony Orchestra, Bill Walton is more than familiar with The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts the orchestra calls home. On the evening of Jan. 27, he attended a new performance at the center’s Opera House that Mr. Walton felt was an instant classic.

Shen Yun Performing Arts “holds up” to the major classical masterpieces, Mr. Walton shared.

“I think it’s wonderful. They’re bringing all these great fables to life on stage, and the dancing is spectacular,” he said. “I love the way they use the animation to amplify what’s happening on the stage. It’s very clever.”

It’s hard to find such a thing, Mr. Walton said, and not for his lack of trying.

“I’ve studied a lot. I’ve read a lot on Chinese history, and there’s a wonderful civilization that stretched back thousands [of years],” he said. “I think this shows what actual Chinese culture is about. It’s lovely to see.”

Mr. Walton added that he was moved by one of the story-based dances, which showed a scene from China today, rather than history.

“What’s happening in China is criminal, is genocide. And I’m glad we had a chance to see that brought to life on the stage,” Mr. Walton said.