TORONTO—Linda Litwack, a publicist, and her partner Charlie Sise, a writer, were among the packed audience at the Roy Thomson Hall on Oct. 16 enjoying the inaugural performance of Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra in Toronto. 

Sharing her experience of the concert, Ms. Litwack said, “I will say this about the overall experience: I’ve had a kind of a stressful day, week, and life, and it [Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra] is quite calming, so I’m appreciating that.”

Ms. Litwack had been a publicist with CBC Radio and TV for over two decades before she started her own publicity company, specializing in the arts. She also sits on the board of directors for the International Resource Centre for Performing Artists.

“I think it was just the—the delicacy of the instruments and it just was very pleasing,” Ms. Litwack said about the evening’s performance.

Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra is unique in that it includes traditional Chinese instruments such as the two-stringed erhu as part of its permanent membership. This creates a sound that is both fresh and harmonious. 

Ms. Litwack said she was particularly impressed with the erhu. The orchestra features three erhu virtuosos. 

“Not only did they look gorgeous, but they played together so beautifully,” she said.

Mr. Sise echoed this appreciation of the erhu, saying the music was quite soothing.

“You feel like you’re kind of in the countryside,” he said.

The Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra does a “good job [blending] both the Western and the Eastern,” Mr. Sise said.

Ms. Litwack added that the concert left her with a feeling of peace. 

With reporting by Madalina Hubert

New York-based Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra comprises musicians from the four Shen Yun Performing Arts touring companies. The orchestra’s North American tour runs through Oct. 27. 

For more information, visit www.shenyunperformingarts.org/symphony