“I think arts has a lot to do with how we can build bridges and share culture, and I think it’s great that the arts are being shared. People like my children, who are born Canadian or Chinese, have a chance to see and hear the music and dance of China,” she said.

“For me, as a mom and someone who was born in Canada, I’m grateful that I can see a culture that I don’t get to see on a regular basis that is actually part of my roots as well.”

“I like how there are little stories. It’s multiple stories throughout the evening that you can learn from,” she said.

“The orchestra was magnificent, and I really, really liked the erhu soloist. She was incredible,” she said.

Referring to the stories depicting human rights violations in modern-day China, particularly the persecution faced by practitioners of the spiritual practice Falun Dafa, Ms. Cheng noted the contribution of the arts in delivering such important narratives.

“The arts is always a way to tell important stories, so I think they’re sharing the life experience of some people that, for many of us, who would never know these stories unless it comes to the stage,” she said.

“Thank you for your hard work to bring stories and music and beautiful dance to the different corners of the world,” she said. “Culture cannot be lost. It allows us to understand ourselves better and more.”