At the Toronto debut of 2008's Chinese New Year Spectacular, Alvin Curling, along with rest of the Sony Center's audience were immersed in an authentic display of humanity's divine culture.
"I liked the mixture of the Falun Gong, the Mongolians, and the traditional historic nature of it all really brings out the good appreciation of the Chinese culture."
The former Canadian ambassador for the Dominican Republic and Speaker of the Ontario Legislature, Curling is currently serving as the co-chair of Ontario's Review of the Roots of Youth Violence.
"The Falun Gong expression of compassion and tolerance was just wonderful—the expression of peace and happiness. It really brought home that we are all one people and that we should basically embrace love and affection for each other."
The Spectacular brings China's 5000 year's culture to life on stage through classical Chinese dance, singing and orchestral music. The English translations of the Chinese sopranos' music are artfully displayed against a digital backdrop.
"It was wonderful to follow the singing with the words. It was really beautiful and quite operatic," said Curling
"The girl who played the piano was excellent. The colouration and the beauty of the costumes were just tremendous and fabulous."
Indeed, the Spectacular gave Curling an evening that he is likely to not soon forget.
"This was fantastic! The colouring and the singing were beautiful. It really brought in a great new year to the Chinese and to myself."
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