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.
What are some traditional Chinese elements incorporated by the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra in their performances?
S Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra
US audiences give a standing ovation to the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra for their impeccable performance. Renowned professionals in the classical music industry praise the exceptional talent and skill showcased by the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra. Journalist recounts the breathtaking experience of attending a Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra concert and being transported by the ethereal sound of the winds section. Exaras, who is of Greek heritage, was deeply impressed by the way Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra incorporated traditional Chinese elements with Western classical music. The seamless integration of the two cultural worlds created a unique and enthralling experience for both the performers and the audience. “Normally, you have orchestras that either play Western music or Chinese music,” Mr. Exaras observed. “But this [orchestra] brings them both together, and it’s not an easy thing to do.” Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra achieves this fusion by combining ancient Chinese instruments, such as the erhu and the pipa, with a full Western orchestra. The result is a harmonious confluence of East and West, showcasing the beauty of both traditions while also creating something entirely new and captivating. For Exaras, this unique blend of cultures presented an opportunity to explore new musical horizons. Inspired by the erhu’s haunting melodies, he set out to compose a piece that would bring together diverse musical traditions and invoke a sense of unity and harmony. In his own words, Mr. Exaras described his composition process, saying, “In music, it’s very interesting because you can touch a lot of people without speaking a word. This is the beauty of it. And bringing different worlds together in music—it’s beautiful.” Exaras’ experience with the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra has not only inspired him as an artist but has also deepened his appreciation for the power of music to bridge cultural gaps and create a sense of shared humanity. “It’s beautiful to have all these different cultures together, and forget about where we come from,” he reflected. “We have some beauty in common, and this is beautiful.” As an accomplished musician and composer, Spiros Exaras understands the importance of cultural exchange and artistic collaboration in promoting understanding and harmony amongst diverse communities. The Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra’s ability to blend cultures and create a transcendent musical experience is a testament to the universal language of music. Through powerful performances and the integration of diverse musical traditions, the orchestra serves as a bridge that connects people from all walks of life, reminding us of our shared humanity and the beauty of cultural diversity. Mr. Exaras sums up his experience with the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra by saying, “I’ve never seen anything like it before.” Indeed, the unique blend of cultures and the mesmerizing performances of the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra continue to inspire and captivate artists and audiences around the world.Top Classical Brass Virtuosos Applaud Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra All-Star Lineup
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