NISHINOMIYA, Japan—On March 17, 2010 the New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts arrived at Nishinomiya City for its final show in Japan on their 2010 world tour. Nishinomiya marked the special event by ushering in a sunny day after successive rainy days. In the morning audiences thronged the splendid Hyogo Performing Arts Center.

Mr. Shinichi Shigihara, a renowned music critic and Honorary Professor of Kyoto University, had watched the Shen Yun performance last year. This year he attended the show two times and was particularly impressed with the Shen Yun New York Company Orchestra, which made its first visit to Japan.

With its combination of classical Western and traditional Chinese instruments, the Shen Yun New York Company Orchestra is a rare find in the world. Commenting on the live orchestral, Mr. Shinichi said, “Those who have been used to the music produced by Western instruments won’t find it awkward. I suppose (the combination of instruments) is to cater to the musical taste of modern people. In my opinion, combining Western and Eastern instruments to play classical music for modern audience is quite appropriate.”

As for the three solos, Mr. Shinichi said, “The three singers are blessed with vocal powers, very penetrating. Particularly the last tenor sang, though without a microphone, in a stunning and amazing voice. I feel happy to listen to such a singing.”

Mr. Shinichi was full of praise for the ethnic folk dance programs of Shen Yun. “Last year I did not pay particular attention to the features of Mongolian and Tibetan dance. This year, I discovered different dance rhythms in different ethnic folk dances. The show on stage presents a stunning delight to the eyes. While appreciating the Shen Yun performance, I have a better grasp of the concept that China consists of multiple ethnic groups. The dance presents masculinity of males and femininity of females ... .”

Besides, Mr. Shinichi highly praised the Hyogo Performing Arts Center. “The Center features a large stage and excellent acoustics, which in turn makes the stage performance stunning. Also the backdrop presents vivid images.”

Read the original Chinese article. http://shenyun.epochtimes.com/b5/10/3/18/n2849487.htm

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Original article: http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/31691/