CLOSE YOUR EYES and let the melodies of a lost civilization carry you away. The rippling notes of the pipa transport you to an imperial banquet, where maidens dance under a silvery moon. In a sudden shift, powerful drumbeats conjure an ancient battlefield where the valor of heroes shines through. This is a performance that breathes life into precious stories and even melodies from the distant past.

Nowhere else can you hear classical Chinese instruments—such as the two-stringed erhu and the piquant pipa—so pleasantly melded with Western strings, woodwinds, and brass. Shen Yun’s approach, from the composition to the expression of the music, results in a vivid sound with great emotional range—perfect for musical storytelling.

our story: born out of popular demand

The New York-based Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra was formed in response to the many theatergoers who longed to hear the music of Shen Yun—the phenomenally successful dance production—in concert form. Since debuting at Carnegie Hall in 2012, it has performed to great acclaim worldwide. It is home to an impressive number of internationally accomplished musicians, including its singers, known for their remarkable ability to sing the most traditional bel canto in Chinese. Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra is distinguished by its artistic vision of cultural renewal through works unfailingly positive and bright.

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.

    • “Really out of this world!
      The words to describe it might be divine, reborn, and hope.”
      —Christine Walevska, master cellist
    • “I was overwhelmed. My entire body was trembling—but in a very loving way. I felt very joyful. It was beautiful,
      it was healing.”
      —Elisa Brown, renowned soprano
    • “The orchestra was absolutely terrific! Fabulous musicians that have incredible technique.”
      —Carlos Romero, violinist & luthier
    • “Dazzling... Seamlessly fused Chinese and Western classical instrumentation.”
      —Boston Herald
    • “Shen Yun doesn’t come often enough.”
      —Kerry Stratton, conductor, Toronto Concert Orchestra
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