CALGARY, Canada—There is something in China’s 5,000 years of culture that appeals to everyone. For Alba Clavijo and Bryce Wandler, the erhu soloist of Shen Yun Performing Arts left a deep impression on them.
“It was amazing. One of the best performances I’ve ever seen,” said Mr. Wandler, a financial adviser.
Shen Yun is based in New York, and its mission is to revive 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.
“I love the colorful dresses and all the choreographies and the history that you allow us to learn tonight,” said Ms. Clavijo, the director of a child care center.
Each of Shen Yun’s eight companies includes a live orchestra. Shen Yun’s orchestra is a unique combination of traditional Chinese instruments and a classic Western ensemble.
“I really enjoyed the music … it was just soulful. It just touched your heart. It touched your soul. And it made the dancing so much better,” Mr. Wandler said.
Among all the instruments in Shen Yun’s orchestra, the erhu gets its moment to shine under the spotlight.
“I don’t know how that’s possible to play a two-string instrument like that. It didn’t seem real,” Mr. Wandler said.
Ms. Clavijo used to play the violin, so she understood how difficult it is to produce so many sounds and emotions on only two strings.
“About that instrument—to think that just two [strings can] make all of those sounds and to share so many feelings was amazing,” she said.
Mr. Wandler added that the erhu solo successfully held the attention of the audience.
“Everyone in our entire row was on the edge of their seat. They’re all leaning forward, engaging with that piece,” he shared.
China was once known as the land of the divine. People who are unfamiliar with Chinese history often forget that before the Chinese Communist Party, there were thousands of years of respect and love for the divine.
“I didn’t know that China has so many connections with God. To see the similarities in your culture and our culture was beautiful,” Ms. Clavijo said.
Reporting by Maple Lynn and Maria Han.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
