TORONTO—Toronto's Sony Centre for the Performing Arts had the honour of hosting the highly renowned Divine Performing Arts Chinese New Year Spectacular on Friday evening.
Since 2004, the New York-based Divine Performing Arts has been showcasing China's ancient culture and traditions by staging the Spectacular in some of the world's most prestigious venues.
"I thought it was spectacular. I was really impressed by the vibrant theme and all the colours. I like the drums a lot, they were very powerful. I found the whole drum scene quite invigorating," said Robert Lutczyk, a retired lieutenant and a regional city councilor in Oshawa.
The Spectacular showcases large-scale dance routines, a combination of Chinese and Western orchestral music and unique state-of-the art digital backdrops. Lutzyk was particularly impressed by the backdrops.
"Very impressive technology, the background screen added a separate dimension to the scene in the front," he said.
"The costumes too were spectacular, they added to the vibrancy and the brilliance of the entire production. And the music of course was absolutely top notch. I found it fabulous."
Being a musician and composer, Gao Lan, who also attended Friday's show, could really appreciate the blend of western and Chinese instruments in the Spectacular. Lan is also a filmmaker and is currently making a documentary.
"Right now I'm shooting a documentary to introduce the Chinese heart to the world because many people they don't know about Chinese heart, Chinese friendship, social life, family life, these things they don't know about how it developed to that state," said Lan.
In the Spectacular, ancient Chinese myths and legends unfold on stage through classical Chinese dance and music with an authenticity that is said to be completely unique in the world today.
This is spurring something of a renaissance of traditional culture in the Chinese art community and is drawing the attention and admiration of audiences around the world.
After its run of five shows in Toronto from January 18 to 20, the Spectacular will continue its world tour in the U.S. and other countries before returning to Canada at the end of April. It will play in Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton from April 27 to May 7.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Divine Performing Arts shows that will perform in over 60 cities worldwide in 2008. To find a show near you, please visit www.bestchineseshows.com.
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