PROVIDENCE, R.I—Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company put on a performance at the Providence Performing Arts Center, on Thursday, Jan. 19, that would once again delight the audience.
The New York-based Touring Company is reviving China’s ancient 5,000 year old culture with legends, tales of historical of events and even modern day stories, all of which are played out by classical Chinese dance and music.
“First time we have seen [Shen Yun],” said John Dunn, a director on the board of the Mansfield
Music and Arts Society in Massachusetts [MMAS], who was attending the performance with his wife, Karyl.
MMAS was originally a home for artists, says the society’s website. However, it now offers concerts, theater productions, arts scholarships for students, and an annual arts festival.
“[I’m] very impressed, with the choreography, with the precision and the gracefulness of the show. And the music was great,” he said.
Shen Yun’s unique orchestra is a blend of music from Western and Eastern traditional instruments.
“This is very special for us-the culture-and it’s interesting to see the stories behind the music,” said Mr. Dunn, referring to the English translation of the Mandarin lyrics, highlighted above the vocalists.
The company’s repertoire includes soprano and tenor soloists who sing in the very difficult bel canto style of opera–this technique requires the retention of the proper Chinese articulation and diction as one sings, says the company’s website.
“It was very thought provoking. I got some inspiration, gives one pause to think about it,” said Mr. Dunn.
Karyl Dunn, a reading specialist for grades I and II, was also impressed with the beauty of Shen Yun.
“It was just wonderful,” said Mrs. Dunn.
“Wonderful integration of background.”
Mrs. Dunn was referring to the animated settings where digital technology is used to extend the stage creating the impression that heaven and earth appear to be one, according to the company’s website.
“And the dancers … it was beautiful,” she said, adding that Shen Yun was a performance that that people should bring their grandchildren to see.
Reporting by Jingjing Sun and Diane Cordemans.
Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company will next perform at the Boston Opera House, Jan. 20 to 22.
For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
