EDMONTON—The Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular VIP reception on Monday evening brought together a number of distinguished guests from Edmonton's arts and the business community as well as from government.
Speaking on behalf of Alberta Premiere Ed Stelmach, Alberta Minister of Culture and Community Spirit Lindsay Blackett welcomed the Divine Performing Arts performers and the Chinese Spectacular to Edmonton.
"We're honoured that we're the final stop on a 6-month journey, which I can only imagine is pretty tiring to say the very least," said Blackett.
Noting that there is a "significant" Chinese-Canadian population in Alberta, Blackett said he has always been "fascinated" with Chinese heritage, and said he is happy to be at the Spectacular to learn a little more about Chinese culture.
"On behalf of government [of Alberta] again, thank you for coming, and hope everyone enjoys the show because I know I will," he said.
Speaking on behalf of Edmonton MP Rahim Jaffer who was in Ottawa and couldn't attend, Jaffer's executive assistant Paul Edwards-Shand said it was a "pleasure" to be at the Spectacular for a second year, adding that the performance last year was a "wonderful, wonderful" event.
Edwards-Shand also read a greeting letter by written by Mr. Jaffer welcoming the show.
"It is my distinct pleasured honour to extend my warmest greetings to the organizers, performers, and members of the Chinese community associated with the 2008 Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular hosted by New Tang Dynasty Television."
The letter also stated that the dance company is on a 65-city world tour performing in as "diverse" locations as Japan, Paris, Berlin, Australia, and New York.
"This tour provides unique opportunity for people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds to witness the beauty and pageantry that is the Chinese culture. Moreover, Chinese Canadians can take particular pride in knowing that their culture is being showcased on an international stage," Edwards-Shand read.
The letter went on to say that audience members will be treated to "a magnificent showcase of musicians, vocalists, colourful costumes, beautiful music, and indulging dancing. Chinese Canadians from across Canada can take pride in knowing that China's rich ancient culture can showcase annually for Canadians of all ages and background to see."
"As a Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Stratchona, and on behalf of the government of Canada, I want to extend my best wishes for another memorable Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular event," wrote Jaffer.
 University of Alberta Head of String Instruments Tanya Prochazka and her husband Dr. Arthur Prochazka at the Chinese Spectacular VIP reception. (Jerry Wu/The Epoch Times)
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 Mayor of Spruce Grove, Alberta, Stuart Houston at the Chinese Spectacular. (Jerry Wu/The Epoch Times)
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 Alberta MLA Janice Sarich at the Chinese Spectacular. (Jerry Wu/The Epoch Times)
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 Steve Sarich, Associate Dean of School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Technology at NAIT and Alberta MLA Janice Sarich's husband, speaks to one of the Edmonton Chinese Spectacular organizers. (Jerry Wu/The Epoch Times)
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 President of Asia Pacific Accord of Canada Bob Whyte at the Chinese Spectacular. (Jerry Wu/The Epoch Times)
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 Mayor of Alix, Alberta Curtis Peterson at the Chinese Spectacular VIP reception. (Jerry Wu/The Epoch Times)
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 Human rights lawyer Shirish Chotalia (R) and her companion at the Chinese Spectacular VIP reception. (Renee Luo/The Epoch Times)
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 Nyambura Aamina, Executive Director of Edmonton Multicultural Society, at the Chinese Spectacular. (Renee Luo/The Epoch Times)
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For information about upcoming Divine Performing Arts shows, please visit:
www.BestChineseShows.com.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Chinese Spectacular. For our complete coverage please visit:
http://en.epochtimes.com/features/dpa2008/
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