VIENNA—Markus Hofer and Andrea Riwitsch made the long trip to view the Chinese Spectacular in Vienna's City Hall Performance Center on Friday, the long trip being well worth it.
When asked how she liked the show, Andrea Riwitsch bubbled with enthusiasm, "I liked it a lot, so many expressions and impressions, so much warmth- difficult to describe.
"It was very nice, the costumes are wonderful, as was the music, simply unique.
"The music conveys a particular feeling - the woman musical performer surprised us, to elicit that much tonal quality from a two-stringed instrument. Super, I really liked it." She is talking about the erhu virtuoso, the Chinese "knee violin."
Markus Hofer added, "the whole collection of impressions - the music, the costumes and how all things interconnected, the smiles and the energy - something lacking in our performances; I felt safe. I felt comfortable during the whole performance, I am serene."
Asked about her reaction to the dances, Andrea mused," The dances are something unique for us Europeans who are used to classical dance and ballet, but this here is a completely different dance interpretation. Even the hand gestures - incredible, almost like the yoga we practice."
They remarked that they feel a connection to Asia, having been to Thailand. They like that culture, Buddhism, Confucianism and had recently heard a lecture specifically about Daoism at the university. Both feel more and more drawn to the Asian, the Chinese, way; it seems to feel calmer to them, whereas Europeans live with stress and a hectic life. They like the calm they gain from the Asiatic ways.
Andrea is secretary at an automobile agency and made a final comment, " The drummers are something singularly unique, phenomenal."
This interview is a joint effort between our media partner NTDTV and The Epoch Times.
After today's show in Vienna, the Spectacular will play in Bratislava on Sunday, carrying on to Prague for more shows next week. A total of 35 shows will be seen in 14 European countries.
For information about upcoming Divine Performing Arts shows, please visit: www.DivinePerformingArts.org.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Chinese Spectacular. For our complete coverage please visit: http://en.epochtimes.com/features/dpa2008/
Feeds