WESTCHESTER, N.Y.—Through a performance of music and classical Chinese dance, Shen Yun Performing Arts brought China’s 5,000 years of culture to life before an audience in Westchester, New York on Aug. 22.

The performance at The Performing Arts Center at SUNY Purchase received standing ovations from a pleased crowd, among who was classical musician and retired chemistry teacher Jerry Becker.

“This is very unique. I’ve never seen anything quite like it,” Mr. Becker said. “It’s living up to its reputation.”

Shen Yun Performing Arts includes performances of classical Chinese dance, stories, legends, and vocal music. The performers are also accompanied by a full orchestra which blends modern Western and ancient Chinese instruments.

The instrument combination, ranging from Chinese pipas to Western French horns and violins, produces a unique combination of sound which is a rare find due to the differences in tonality; yet carried out with a tranquil and harmonious melody.

“It’s just beautiful. Not only the dancing, which is so extraordinary, the music is chromatic.” Mr. Becker said, adding that he was concerned at first that the music would be dissonant “but it’s not. It was beautiful.”

Mr. Becker added that he particularly enjoyed Shen Yun’s digital backdrop. Using digitally-enhanced moving images, the backdrop is able to bring to life scenes throughout China’s history; from the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty, to the mountains of Tibet, to the plains of Mongolia.

“The scenery is stunning,” Mr. Becker said. “The special effects were amazing.”

All performers in Shen Yun Performing Arts are trained in the unique art of classical Chinese dance, which allows for an array of facial expression that can portray any character at will.

Mr. Becker said, “It’s thoroughly beautiful. Entertaining beyond. It’s jaw dropping. The dancers are so well trained. It’s worth every penny.”

Also attending the show was aerospace engineer Leo Resnik, who thought the show was great.

Seeing Shen Yun made him feel a “deep comprehension of the roots of most ancient cultures,” Mr. Resnik said.

Shen Yun Performing Arts will return again for one show only on Sunday, September 12, at 7.00pm. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts.

Original article: http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/41396/