LOS ANGELES – Beginning with a mythical dragon and lion dance in celebration of the New Year, and later with a dance rendition of the blossoming of the udumbara flowers, the color and pageantry of the entire Gala program had the audience enthralled from one performance to the next.
Two performances were held on Saturday, February 11 at the Harriet & Charles Luckman Fine Arts Complex on the Cal State LA Campus to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Dog.
Mr. Zhong Lee, President, New Tang Dynasty Television (NTDTV) wrote in his "Greetings", "New Year for the Chinese is the time of giving thanks to the divinities, paying respect to ancestors and wishing each other well". He added that NTDTV will broadcast highlights of the Gala shows held in 16 major cities in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia through satellite and cable television in major cities around the world.
Senators Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer sent their warmest greetings and best wishes for the New Year and the Global Gala. Many other recognitions were received from local and foreign government officials citing the cultural contributions of such a joyous event.
The theme given to this year's Gala is "Myths and Legends" and incorporated both Western style and traditional Chinese artistic performances. As it turned out, almost one third of the almost sold-out audience was of Western origin and a good indication that more Westerners are coming to understand and appreciate traditional Chinese culture.
Participating in the L.A. Gala were more than 200 Chinese and Western artists. Except for the Magic Show and Martial Arts performers, all the other performers came together from all over the world to create a truly unique artistic atmosphere.
One of the many impressive performances was given by Guimin Guan, Tenor, who sang "Warm Wishes", a heartfelt wish for well-being to all on the eve of the New Year. Ranked among the best artists in China, Mr. Guan is one of the most popular singers of all time in China. In recent years, Guan has composed many songs including "Warm Wishes".
(2144 x 1424 px, 300 dpi)
When asked why he is so popular in China, Guan answered that this is because his voice is very special and added that he learned at the Academy of Music in China to sing in the Italian vocal way. He is referred to as the Chinese Pavarotti, even though never having sung in an opera.
In hearing Guan sing, one senses that he has genuinely learned the fine art of transparently becoming at one with the music and lyrics and carrying his listeners to another time and place.
Guan explained that his popularity as a singer was not based on singing popular songs of the time but for singing Chinese traditional songs such as he sang at the Gala. So he uses the Western style, or Italian way to use the vocal chords, even though singing Chinese traditional songs. Guan has performed in these Global Galas for three years now, and in China has performed in a great number of Galas over the years.
(1200 x 800 px, 72 dpi)
World renowned Pianist, Rueibin Chen, was technically perfect in his piano solos of Chopin: Nocturne in c minor, op. 48/1 and Grieg: In the Hall of the Mountain-King. Here again, one felt the undeniable brilliance of his musical talent.
When told his piano playing exuded a love for Chopin, he responded that yes, Chopin was one of his most favorite composers.
Mr. Chen started his career as a concert pianist at age ten with the Taipei Symphony Orchestra. He was acclaimed as a "genius in every two decades" by the European critics and has won various international piano competitions.
Another special performance included "Plum Blossoms" by the Lotus Arts Troupe. The plum blossom is a special feature of the Chinese New Year. It braves snow and frost to blossom in the cold of winter. For the Chinese people, the plum Blossom symbolizes unyielding courage and noble character.
During the midway break of the Gala, some excited audience members called their friends and family members to come and see the rest of the performance. Over 90% of Gala survey respondents rated the program as excellent or good.
Moonjune Wu, a Taiwan Beauty Pageant representative said that the Gala "was unbelievable, it was perfect and very, very professional. It was a good blend of diversity of both the West and the East. And it definitely had a message as well. So I enjoyed it very much."
Catherine Yu, another Taiwan Beauty Pageant representative said "I go to performances a lot and this is the best I have seen in years. And I am very surprised to see so many Caucasian faces among us. And everything was done to perfection and I am really happy that New Tang Dynasty TV was able to bring this to America."
In summary, the L.A. Gala had something special for everyone to enjoy.
For more information on the Gala in Los Angeles, other U.S. Cities and on other continents see: http://gala.ntdtv.com/2006/en/index.html
Feeds