(Minghui.org) The Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra presented its final performance of the season at the Strathmore Music Center in the Washington, D.C. area on October 22, 2017. Three encores and standing ovations concluded the company's 2017 concert tour.
Standing ovation at the Strathmore Music Center in North Bethesda, Maryland.
Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra performed three encores in response to the warm audience reception.
When Violinist Fiona Zheng played Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, Op. 35, 3rd Movement, several audience members were brought to tears.
Tenor Tian Ge performed a piece originally composed by Shen Yun.
Erhu trio of Qi Xiaochun, Sun Lu, and Wang Zhen.
Soprano Geng Haolan.
Proclamation by Isiah Leggett, executive of Montgomery County, Maryland
After the concert, my audience members were happy to share their impressions.
“Ears Filled with Beauty”
Brad Brodeur, Minister and psychotherapist.
“I was glad to come today and revisit China and have my ears filled with beauty,” said minister and psychotherapist Brad Brodeur.
“The Tchaikovsky piece, the solo violinist, brought tears to my eyes. It was very moving,” he said of the violin solo piece by Fiona Zheng.
“Perfect Integration and Harmony”
Dave Wallace, political activist and president of a foundation.
“It brings out an intensity of how people should be able to live. And it is the power of music that brings us closer towards our spiritual being,” said Dave Wallace, a political activist and president of a foundation.
“When you have especially beautiful music like what we have just heard, it is an awesome opportunity to be able to reflect on oneself, and our relationship with God,” he said.
“The music is a tremendous feeling when you hear the synthesis of the Western and the Chinese musical instruments. And only here... can you hear the perfect integration and harmony, the harmonization of these musical instruments,” Mr. Wallace added.
“Designed to Relax the Soul”
Charles Stansfield, retired educational researcher, and Charlene Rivera, professor of graduate education.
“It is very ethereal... It is just inspiring,” said Charlene Rivera, Professor Emeritus at George Washington University.
The music “is designed to relax the soul,” said Charles Stansfield, a retired educational researcher.
“Takes Me Away from Where We Are”
Lesley Turner, independent event producer and former project manager.
“It’s just beautiful. It’s a wonderful mixture of Western and Eastern music,” said independent event producer Lesley Turner.
“As I listen to the music, it takes me away from where we are—it’s just fantastic,” she said.
“The soloist that was playing the Tchaikovsky, the violinist, is magnificent,” Ms. Turner said of violinist Fiona Zheng's solo performance.
“All Worries Disappear”
Bill Dennis, consultant in health care.
“I really liked the synthesis of the East and West! It’s really expanding. It’s very exciting,” said Bill Dennis, a consultant in health care.
“These sounds are very healing... My breathing slows down, and my eyes close and I kind of settle into my seat, and all worries disappear,” he said.
“Very inspiring. To have purpose, to have meaning, to have a sense of why we’re here and our connection with each other. This is essential,” Mr. Dennis said.
“Best of Both Worlds”
Government contractor Peter Thompson.
“I’m a musician myself... The orchestral arrangement was amazing,” said government contractor Peter Thompson.
“It’s the best of both worlds,” he said.
