Guitarist praises Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra for uplifting experience.
Composer Inspired by Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra’s Unique Blend of Cultures
NEW YORK—Renowned composer and guitarist Spiros Exaras has always been captivated by the enchanting sounds of the ancient Chinese instrument erhu. However, it was during a Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra concert at David Geffen Hall that he found himself truly inspired to create something of his own for this remarkable instrument.
“It’s like a scene from a movie,” he exclaimed, describing the orchestra’s performance. Accompanied by journalist Yana Katsageorgi, Mr. Exaras, who has collaborated with numerous European orchestras and Grammy award-winning artists, including Mariah Carey, was in awe of the orchestra’s ability to evoke powerful emotions and transport the audience through time.
“It lifts you up,” Mr. Exaras added. “It has strong emotions, and it really, you know, it travels. Actually, at some point it [transported] me back to the ages. Then, it got me back to today’s world.”
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The Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra, based in New York, stands out as the only orchestra in the world that seamlessly combines ancient Chinese instruments with a Western classical orchestra.
The highlight of the concert was the original compositions by Shen Yun Performing Arts’ in-house composers, which skillfully integrated ancient Chinese melodies and instruments with the grandeur of a full orchestra.
“It’s fascinating to witness the harmonious blend of cultures,” Mr. Exaras remarked. ”Creating something truly captivating requires mastery, as it’s easy for it to become unpleasant if not done carefully.”
Describing the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra as “beautiful” and “stunning,” Mr. Exaras was not the only one moved by the music. Ms. Katsageorgi also expressed how uplifted she felt.
“It lifts me up. It’s very spiritual music,” she shared. She explained that while it wasn’t religious music, it carried a profound sense of spirituality. “It relaxes you and it’s extremely alive for me.”
With reporting by Frank Liang
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
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S Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra
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