Tour & Tickets

    SHEN YUN—a name that’s become synonymous with superb artistry and unparalleled creativity in the performing arts. Following its sold-out dance performances worldwide, Shen Yun now brings 5,000 years of civilization to life in a concert of classical music. Join Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra in celebrating humankind’s precious traditions and enduring virtues.

    Music of Shen Yun

    Shen Yun’s all-original compositions feature the perfect harmony of classical music East and West. How is this done?

    First, the Western orchestra serves as a foundation, accentuating the distinct sound of Chinese instruments. Second, the bedrock of soul-stirring melodies from the ancient Middle Kingdom is fully brought to life by a Western symphony. This is what makes Shen Yun’s music unique and is a new frontier in classical music.

    Traditional Chinese music emphasizes the expression of inner feelings—the ancients always used musical instruments to relate their states of mind. Western music, meanwhile, focuses on the overall effect of the musical ensemble—and to achieve that, arrangement and harmony are of utmost importance. Shen Yun’s music combines these approaches to capture the essence of both East and West.

    Sounds of the East

    The origins of Chinese music can be dated back to distant antiquity. Ancient Chinese instruments share a deep connection with Heaven and Earth. The delicate notes of the plucked pipa evoke a sense of celestial realms. The enchanting sound of the 4,000-year-old erhu mimics the human voice. Leading the melody amidst a full Western orchestra, they create a profound musical experience that resonates deep in the heart.

    2019 Program Highlights

    2019 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
    This year’s repertoire is a refreshingly diverse and fast-paced experience sure to delight both seasoned concertgoers and those new to classical music. The performance features Shen Yun’s most celebrated original compositions along with timeless orchestral classics by Tchaikovsky, Smetana and Gounod.

    SHEN YUN ORIGINAL WORKS

    Works range from haunting erhu solos to the grandeur of imperial-style marches and the bucolic charm of folk-inspired melodies.

    CLASSICAL FAVORITES

  • Tchaikovsky: Valse-Scherzo, Op. 34 

    Tchaikovsky’s Valse-Scherzo reigns among the most exhilarating and sparkling mainstays of the violin repertoire.

  • Smetana: Dance of the Comedians from The Bartered Bride 

    Smetana’s The Bartered Bride has been hailed as the first great Czech opera. The raucous, exuberant Dance of the Comedians heralds the arrival of a circus troupe in the third act of this popular folk comedy.

  • Gounod: Roméo et Juliette, Act IV, March

    Stately and regal, this wedding march follows the ballet scene in Gounod’s acclaimed opera based on Shakespeare’s tragic romance.

    • Sample the Music

    This year’s Shen Yun original works will be a surprise. Samples from last season:
  • The Creation (from the 2018 season)
    This symphonic poem tells of humankind’s origins and longing for the Creator’s return.
  • Ancient Melody (from the 2018 season)
    An instrument that dates back thousands of years, the erhu can both uniquely convey and evoke a wide range of emotions.
  • Tang Dynasty Training Ground (from the 2018 season)
    This piece accompanies Emperor Taizong as he trains the mighty warriors of the Tang Dynasty.
  • Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasy, Op. 25 (from the 2018 season)
    One of the most famous pieces for violin, Sarasate’s 1883 composition is known for its fantastic virtuosic acceleration.
  • Lofty Spirits on the Grasslands (from the 2018 season)
    This vigorous piece that takes us straight to the boundless grasslands, home to the Mongolians.

    • Reviews

    • “The music they’ve created is such an excellent combination of traditional melodies.”
      —Dr. Richard Webb, organist, musicologist, and professor, Southern University
    • “Delightful... they blend the Chinese instruments so very well with the Western instruments.”
      —Per Brevig, conductor and professor, The Juilliard School
    • “Really wonderful! I’d be interested in playing some of this music or trying some of it myself.”
      —Charles Castleman, virtuoso violinist and professor, Eastman School of Music