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MEMPHIS, Tenn.—Accolades flowed to Shen Yun Performing Arts when it gave two shows at the Orpheum Theater on Feb. 26. Elected officials, a famous opera singer, business leaders and creative people were in the diverse, enthusiastic audience.
Soprano Marguerite Piazza starred on Broadway, on television, with the New York City Opera and the Metropolitan Opera. She said everyone should see the show. “The dancers were excellent … I have never seen it any place else like this. It was wonderful costuming, colors, excellent.” She said soprano Haolan Geng was excellent.
After both the matinee and evening shows, the audience rose to its feet and gave the company a standing ovation. At moments, members of the audience exclaimed and even whistled.
Memphis Mayor A. C. Wharton officially proclaimed Feb. 26 Shen Yun Performing Arts day. So did Millington Mayor Richard L. Hodges, Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Lutrell, Jr, Mayor of Collierville Stan Joyner, and R. Keith McDonald, Mayor of the city of Bartlett.
United States Senator Bob Corker wrote, “I am honored for the opportunity to welcome this occasion … We are fortunate to once gain experience this showcase of culture as Shen Yun brings to life China’s 5,000 year history through classical dance and ethnic music. Your dedication to the arts is commendable.”
The Tennessee House of Representatives passed House Resolution 22 to “honor and commend the artists, and legislators Curry Todd, Jim Coley and Joe Towns attended the performance. The House proclaimed Shen Yun “an exemplary group of talented performers.”
Rep. Towns expressed a righteous thought: “I want to thank you for the courage you showed tonight by depicting the kind of messages we saw tonight to do with things that happen in China.
It’s so good for us to see it because there are people here who are willing to help.”
He said, after formally presenting the Senate’s resolution, that as an African-American, his mind is always on justice and courage. He is a member of the distinguished mentoring and charitable organization, 100 Black Men.
State Senator Reginald Tate wrote, “Your performance here in 2009 still stands out in my mind as one of the greatest cultural experiences I have enjoyed in my life.”
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
