Shen Yun ‘Heavenly,’ Says Law Firm Owner

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario—“It was fantastic, it was great,” said Toronto lawyer and owner of OgB Law, Osborne Barnwell, after taking in the Saturday afternoon show.

“I thoroughly enjoyed it. The storylines were very informative in terms of Chinese culture, something that I was never exposed to before, so that was quite interesting for me. But the colours, the fantastic colours, the artistry, the dancing—everything was just great, just great.”

Mr. Barnwell received his bachelor of arts majoring in economics and an honours degree in commerce before getting his designation as a certified general accountant. He then went to Osgoode Hall Law School, one of the top schools in the country.

After a few stints working for other people, he formed his own firm and has been practising there for the last 16 years. He specializes in immigration issues including injunctions against deportation, as well as tax law and civil litigation.

Mr. Barnwell said he enjoyed Shen Yun’s unique symphony orchestra which combines traditional Chinese and western classical instruments.

“The music was heavenly, it was very nice, very nice.”

His niece, Zita Barnwell, who has done development research, echoed his thoughts.

“I thought it was fantastic. I thought it was really good match of colours and you were able to relax with the music while the dancers dance on stage. It was fantastic, my first experience, and I liked it. If they were to come back to Toronto, I would come again.”

She said the music matched the dancing and everything was synchronized together very well.

“If there was a CD, I would buy it, I never experience this culture before … it was exciting and marvellous.”

She also said sharing true authentic traditional culture was a good way for Chinese people to share their culture with Canadians.

“The costumes were beautiful,” said Tasneem Hashmi, a pilot instructor who also attended the Saturday afternoon Shen Yun show. “Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful,” he repeated. “The orchestra, the music, everything was just very well done,” he said.

Mr. Hashmi said he and his wife will definitely be back to see it again next year. “It’s going to be great, fantastic.”

“Absolutely brilliant,” said another audience member, Dr. Brem Gahi, a cardiologist from Michigan.

“I really liked the costumes, the design, the action, all the moves, very, very nice. All the people there, they were real professionals, and they were doing a wonderful job,” he added.

  For more information, visit www.ShenYunPerformingArts.org.