TORONTO–Shen Yun’s rare musical treats received glowing reviews from showgoers on April 23, as the classical Chinese dance and music company continued its Toronto run.

“The music was unbelievable,” said Frank Matys, a former teacher who attended the matinee performance with his wife, Theresa, and their friends Sid and Mary Zyla.

Shen Yun features a one-of-a-kind orchestra that incorporates Eastern and Western instruments in one harmonious sound. The orchestra accompanies the story-based dances, which showcases China’s traditional culture and values, and also the ethnic and folk dances.

Mr. Zyla, a retired chemistry teacher, said the music was integral to telling the story and revealing traditional Chinese culture on a deep level.

“It’s so good to spread the story through music,” he said. “Beautifully done.”

He was also impressed with the precise synchronicity between the dancers’ movements and the orchestra.

“Very professional in terms of the dance, the movements, and the choreography,” he said. “Everybody was in sync, totally in sync with the orchestra.”

Shen Yun also treats audiences to solo performances of traditional Chinese instruments—such as the erhu and pipa—by some of the world’s finest Chinese performers.

But what moved attendee Randy Ramsukh the most was Shen Yun’s operatic performances sung by world-class bel canto singers.

“The lyrics were very emotional, there was a lot of feeling and meaning behind the singing,” said Mr. Ramsukh, who works for the Toronto Transit Commission.

“On a deeper level, it leaves you thinking.”

The songs contain philosophical reflection about human life and deep layers of meaning, according to the Shen Yun website: “The texts go beyond the boundaries of nation, race, and culture, and have been fondly received and appreciated the world over.”

Mrs. Matys, a retired teacher, said the performance left her with a sense of hope and optimism.

“It was uplifting, very hopeful for the future,” she said.

“I feel it was a tremendous performance that satisfied. Really a good thing,” said her husband.

Reporting by Xinxin Teng, Lisa Ou, and Justina Wheale

New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. Shen Yun’s International Company is currently touring Eastern Canada. For more information, visit Shen Yun Performing Arts.

Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time. We have proudly covered audience reaction since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.