Shen Yun’s Orchestra Is ‘Amazing’ and ‘Perfect,’ Says Composer
Feb 13, 2024
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Henry Martin and Helena Tibocha attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Liverpool Empire Theatre in England on Feb. 10, 2024. (Mary Mann/The Epoch Times)
LIVERPOOL, U.K.—Shen Yun Performing Arts performed for a lively audience at the Liverpool Empire Theatre on Feb. 10. Henry Martin and Helena Tibocha sat close to the stage and loved the performance.
Mr. Martin said: “The show is amazing. We love the performance. It’s incredible to see it so close, because you can see their faces, you can see the joy they’re having, expressions. You can see the real energy and passion they put into the performances. And it’s outstanding, it’s breathtaking.”
Ms. Tibocha, a composer, said she loved the performance of the orchestra. “The music is amazing. They are just perfect. They are so young, and I just loved watching them and to be so close to the orchestra in the front seat,” she said.
Through classical Chinese dance and music, Shen Yun is sharing with the world the beauty of China’s authentic 5,000 years of history. Since its founding in 2006, the company has received worldwide accolades for its mission to revive traditional Chinese culture.
Mr. Martin, a director of his own company, said: “They’re doing an amazing job, they’re telling the truth, and it’s such a great feeling to see it firsthand, so close up.”
He said he was very aware of the spiritual aspect of China’s culture. “I think some of the wording [of the song lyrics] was very profound, and really touches everyone’s heart. And it’s such an important topic we should be discussing more openly,” he said. “I have a very strong faith myself.”
Mr. Martin noted that faith is important in the stories, especially the persecution of truth, compassion, and forbearance in China today. “It’s something that I was unaware of because it’s not something that affects me on a daily basis. But it’s something that I’m now being aware of such things. It makes it important to then help out where you can.”
During this year’s Chinese New Year, which celebrates the year of the dragon, Mr. Martin congratulated the performers: “Happy Chinese New Year. You have a great year ahead. And thank you so much indeed.”
Ms. Tibocha added her best wishes. “I just want to thank the performers for everything they’ve done because they’re just so exquisitely beautiful.”
Shen Yun’s Animated Backdrop ‘Just Amazing’
Frank Santana and his daughter, Cameron, enjoyed Shen Yun’s animated backdrop. “It’s just amazing—the costumes and gold cinematography, and how they incorporate the sentiment of filming for the real actors. The moves and the movements are incredible,” said Mr. Santana.
Ms. Santana could see how everything in the production worked together. “I really liked the synchronization, with the set design, especially in the story of the Monkey King. They just were so perfectly synchronized,” she said.
Mr. Santana also appreciated the musicians. “The orchestra is amazing. It’s something that everything falls into place. I don’t know how you guys do it.”
Cameron Santana and her father, Frank Santana, attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Liverpool Empire Theatre in England on Feb. 10, 2024. (Mary Mann/The Epoch Times)
Ms. Santana wanted to see Shen Yun because of her interest in Asian culture and asked her dad to come with her. She works in digital film production and does screen shooting, as well as producing and directing. She felt inspired by Shen Yun.
She took note of Shen Yun’s mission to revive China’s culture before communism. “I think it’s definitely doing a good job with reviving that culture, because not many people know the different ethnicities, and how you have regional dances and ethnic dances, and the difference between them.”
With shows scheduled in over 200 cities and across five continents, the 2024 touring season is shaping up to be the artists’ busiest yet.
Mr. Santana gave his best wishes to the performers. “You guys do an amazing job,” he said, “and keep on doing this because most people don’t know what’s going on. You have to go back to tradition, back to being good again.”
He spoke of the importance of spiritual values. “Faith is not about those religions. [It’s] for everybody. It’s just humanity.”
