(Clearwisdom.net) Divine Performing Arts (DPA) gave their 2009 World Tour performance with a live orchestra for London audiences at the New London Theatre. Culture that is thousands of years old is reflected in classical dance, music, story-telling, and digital backdrops. Various dynasties, regions of China, and cultural themes such as courage, beauty, and compassion are portrayed in the show also reflect aspects of China's culture. Audience members showed their appreciation by rising to their feet for a standing ovation at the show's end.

Many audience members stopped to speak to reporters to give their impressions of the show. Two such audience members were Mr. and Mrs. Harnaman. Mrs. Oki Hur Harnaman, who is from Korea, is a soprano singer. Mr. Christopher Harnaman is a financial manager for a London-based performing arts company.

With a big smile on her face, Mrs. Harnaman said, "It was very moving, [I was] very touched. It was unique, it was beautiful!"

As a singer, she truly appreciated the singers in the show. "The soprano was powerful! And the tenor! I'm a soprano and these are oriental singers. Orientals have really powerful, dynamite voices, while Western singers have a more soft voice. We Orientals have the power. I could really, really feel it."

She went on to say, "I enjoyed very much other performances as well, but the singers were fantastic! And also the pianist! Because when I look at her, the sounds, the piano sounds, seemed to come from her body, not from the instrument."

Her husband added his agreement with her enthusiasm, "Very powerful! ...I think the piano player was also very fantastic." "I thought there was a very, very good sound from the pianist and also this instrument, that was superb--very, very delicate in places." He was referring to the erhu, a Chinese musical instrument that looks like a two-stringed violin.

Mrs. Harnaman said, "Actually, I'm so glad I saw that special instrument, because I had not heard it before. The sound is so beautiful. It is something like a cello sound, but I think it is softer. And also because the female performer, she played with her heart, so it was beautiful."

Mr. Harnaman agreed, "You could see these [are] artists who really are working from inside. It's a total presence on the piano or this two-string piece, they're working, and it's all part of one thing. It's very clear, it's beautifully done."

Mrs. Harnaman went on to talk about the orchestra's performance, "The orchestra conductor was excellent! The orchestra conductor, she is like a magician. It sounds like her hands! And also the pianist, the sounds come from all over her body, that was excellent! Because I'm a musician, so I can see ... more their quality--the pianist, tenors, the soprano, and the conductor were excellent. Of course, overall, the orchestra sounds were very nice."

Mr. Harnaman said of the whole program, "And there was a balance of everything together that worked for me very well. It kept your attention all the way through. It's a very easy flow, something from a different culture. It was all the way through, nicely done: the balance of timing, the change from one style of dancing to another, then cut in with music or singing and back to dance. That all worked as a program, a super program, the right length of time as well."

Another audience member who stopped to give her impression was Ms. Selford. She teaches dance throughout the world and specializes in teaching Middle Eastern dance, especially those of Egypt, Tunisia, and North Africa. Delighted, she said, "I love the dancing. I think it's fabulous!" She went on to say she was inspired by "the costumes, the colors, and the beauty. ...The acrobatic training is absolutely world-class."

Dance teacher Ms. Selford

Ms. Selford saw the DPA show last year at the Royal Festival Hall in London. She said she plans to also attend next year's show, "I think that the Chinese culture is so wonderful; it's so deep."

Another member of the audience who stopped to share his thoughts and who also intends to return for next year's show was Mr. Bun. He is the owner of a catering business. Mr. Bun traveled from Oxford to see the show. He said with delight, "The music was fabulous and the singers were brilliant!" He singled out the performance "Mulan Joins The Battle" as his favorite.

Mr. Bun is originally from Hong Kong.

Mr. Bun, who is originally from Hong Kong, said the show made him feel proud of his Chinese ethnicity. He said that he would definitely recommend it to his friends.

Source: http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/13187/

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/13182/