First-time concertgoer deeply moved by Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra: All senses awakened!
Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra Mesmerizes Audience at David Geffen Hall
On the afternoon of October 22, the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra took the stage at David Geffen Hall in New York City, captivating the audience with their extraordinary performance. The concert drew in several first-time listeners, including Paulette Cunningham, a devoted classical music lover who had eagerly awaited this event.
“All of your senses were awakened, and all of your senses were pleased, and all of your senses were brought joy, you know, and made happy,”
said Cunningham, a business owner who trains customer service staff. “It was absolutely spectacular.”
Cunningham, accompanied by friends from Shanghai, experienced her first-ever classical music performance with the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra. This unique orchestra is the only one in the world that combines ancient Chinese instruments with a Western ensemble.
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The program featured classical favorites, including a movement from Dvorak’s New World Symphony, as well as original compositions by Shen Yun Performing Arts’ in-house composers, seamlessly blending Eastern and Western influences.
Listening to the Chinese classical music, Cunningham felt a surge of memories resurface.
“It wakes up your senses,” she said, “and it makes you feel so joyful and happy and blessed.”
The music immersed her in the moment, allowing her to fully appreciate every aspect of the performance.
“I was in the moment and totally soaking it all in and just thoroughly enjoying it with every ounce of me, with every cell in my body,”
Cunningham expressed. She believed that the music touched the soul and fostered a sense of connection among individuals.
“They say music is the universal language. And that’s because it does touch the soul,” she explained. ”It does make us feel closer to one another. Because we do recognize that we are all one human family, one soul connected in different bodies. So yeah, it was soul-stirring. Most definitely.”
Cunningham praised the musicians for their exceptional talent, describing their performances as “stellar” and “fantastic.”
With reporting by Sally Sun.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
How does the unique combination of Western classical instruments and traditional Chinese instruments contribute to the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra’s distinct sound?
So special about the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra?
Founded in 2012, the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra is a prominent part of the Shen Yun Performing Arts organization, which aims to revive and showcase traditional Chinese culture through music and dance. The orchestra itself is a remarkable ensemble that consists of both Western classical instruments and traditional Chinese instruments, such as the erhu and pipa. This unique combination allows for a harmonious fusion of two distinct musical traditions, creating a truly unparalleled experience for audiences around the world. David Geffen Hall, located at Lincoln Center in New York City, is one of the most prestigious concert halls in the world. It has a storied history of hosting renowned orchestras and performers, making it the perfect venue for the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra to showcase their talents. The hall’s acoustics and grandeur further enhance the orchestra’s performance, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the music and appreciate the skill and artistry of the musicians. The Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra’s performance at David Geffen Hall did not disappoint. With a repertoire that includes both original compositions and classical Western pieces, the orchestra wowed the audience with their technical virtuosity, precision, and emotive storytelling. The concert began with the powerful and uplifting “Ascending to the Heavens,” composed by Jing Xian. This energetic opening set the tone for the rest of the performance and immediately captured the attention of the audience. The orchestra then seamlessly transitioned to classical Western pieces, such as Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake Suite” and Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 9: From the New World.” The combination of these familiar compositions with the unique sound of the Chinese instruments created a fresh and captivating interpretation of these beloved works. One of the highlights of the concert was the performance of the erhu concerto, “Butterfly Lovers.” The erhu, a traditional Chinese instrument, has a hauntingly beautiful sound that can evoke a wide range of emotions. The soloist, Xiaochun Qi, skillfully showcased the expressive capabilities of the erhu, leaving the audience in awe of his talent. Throughout the concert, the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra demonstrated their technical mastery and deep understanding of both musical traditions. The musicians’ passion and dedication were palpable, and their enthusiasm radiated from the stage, captivating the audience’s hearts and minds. Paulette Cunningham, who had eagerly anticipated this performance, was thoroughly impressed. She praised the orchestra for their ability to awaken all the senses and bring joy to the audience. Cunningham’s friends from Shanghai, who had grown up surrounded by traditional Chinese music, also expressed their awe and appreciation for the unique fusion of Chinese and Western musical traditions. The Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra continues to captivate audiences around the world with their extraordinary performances. By bridging the gap between Eastern and Western musical traditions, they not only entertain but also foster cultural understanding and appreciation. Their performance at David Geffen Hall was truly a mesmerizing experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to witness it.The significance of David Geffen Hall
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