“It couldn’t be a more wonderful birthday gift. I’m so pleased,” Ms. Newhart said.

“It’s very uplifting. When I was seated, I thought, how wonderful it is. So many people have been courageous to come out,” she said.

“I think the concept of sharing how things were before communism and the spiritual perspective is relevant. A lot of people feel disconnected and lost,” Ms. Newhart said.

“It’s an amazing performance. It has a glimpse into Chinese culture that we don’t see in the headline news,” Mr. Hare said.

He added he thought the United States would benefit from having a deep and rich culture like China.

“It'd be great if America could adopt some of the traditions, not the political system but the cultural. I think there’s huge value in that,” he said.

Gloria was particularly struck by the soprano. She felt that her voice was powerful and penetrating.

“The lady singing, and no microphone, and her voice just penetrated me—beautiful. And the message, the very important message about you know salvation and believing in God,” she said.

“I think my deepest impression was the message. The message of divinity and it is sad just learning that even in today’s modern age that people don’t have the freedom to follow, to be able to practice something that they believe or is very important to them and that broke my heart,” she said.

Rosa also enjoyed the live orchestra’s blend of the classical Western orchestra with traditional Chinese instruments.