Shen Yun Performing Arts successfully concluded performances at the EKU Center for the Arts in Richmond, Kentucky, on Feb. 10 and 11. Audience members said they were dazzled and impressed by Shen Yun’s artists.
“Taken away, taken to another place. Not really being here, but being with them,” said Carla Tackett, who is a clinical therapist.
“The performers have a lot of energy, and you can feel that coming through,” said Dan Radford, who is a senior supervisor at Tyson Foods.
Shen Yun’s mission is to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture from before communism.
“I love the fact that you’re bringing the hope that comes with deity and faith and believing that there’s an afterlife and everything essentially that goes against communism. I think that’s important,” said Ryan Aberle, who is the owner of DuraPro.
“I love the fact that they are … bringing forth the Chinese culture, the Chinese history, educating people, countries. It needs to be known, and that’s very important,” said Ms. Tackett.
Shen Yun features a live orchestra that combines both traditional Chinese and Western instruments.
The performance and music made Mr. Aberle feel emotional.
“Absolutely fantastic range of emotion for me from laughter to just absolutely beautiful music, [it] almost brought tears to my eyes,” he said.
“There was some part of Western music mixed with the Chinese music. It was very nice,” said Tania Detweiler, who is a piano instructor at Norton Center for the Arts.
“I was very impressed. The orchestra was actually my favorite part. It was the way how well the music was performed and played,” said David Tackett, who is a retired adjunct professor at Kentucky State University.
“It was so nice to have the little spot with the ancient instrument playing, the two-stringed [erhu] instrument. That was most enjoyable to hear, we loved that,” said Greg Detweiler, who is a retired university choir director.
Shen Yun travels the globe with an all new program every season, including new dances, music, costumes, and backdrops.
For Fang Min, who is an accountant, it was a special day to see Shen Yun perform.
“Today is such an honor. On the first day of the Chinese new year, to see this is really a spiritual enjoyment.”
“Amazing job. Wonderfully, masterfully done. I have never in all my years of education or any of my studies anywhere else abroad have I ever seen a culture portrayed in such a fascinating way,” said Bridgette Ham, who is an associate professor at Somerset Community College.
“It elevates my spirit. And it certainly speaks to our heart and to our souls and to the better nature of our human existence. Congratulations on uplifting your audience,” said Richard Green, who is a former coordinator and spokesman for the State Forestry Department.
Shen Yun will perform at the Columbia County Performing Arts Center in Augusta, Georgia, on Feb. 17.
NTD News, Richmond, Kentucky
