(Minghui.org) The Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra completed its first Asia tour on October 3, 2016 in Taipei, Taiwan with a standing ovation and prolonged call for encore. The company has presented 15 concerts to over 16 thousand audience members in 11 cities across the island.

The orchestra's ability to combine the grandeur of a Western orchestra, the beauty of Chinese instruments, and the depth of traditional culture was special and delightful to the attendees. Two of the pieces, which were based on the Taiwanese aboriginal culture, were composed especially for this Taiwan tour.

The Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra performs its last concert in Taiwan at Zhongshan Hall in Taipei on October 3.

Curtain call by the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra at the Kaosiung Normal University Performance Hall on October 2.

Floral basket sent by the President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, wishing the orchestra's tour in Taiwan “A Great Success.”

Vocal soloist Geng Haolan.

Vocal soloist Tian Ge.

Violin soloist Fiona Zheng.

“Very Perfect Combination”

Li Chi-lun, director of the Fushan String Orchestra.

“A very perfect combination,” said Mr. Li Chi-lun, director of the Fushan String Orchestra. “It brought the level of the music to a very high realm.”

Besides the music itself, he also commented that the orchestra “...allowed me to feel the profoundness of Chinese culture.”

“Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra will play a leading role in both the Chinese and Western music fields,” Mr. Li said.

“Positive” and “Compassionate”

Allison Cheng, violist and director of the Duo-na music group.

“The music of Shen Yun is rich in images and scenes. The combination of Eastern and Western music left me feeling very delighted and comfortable,” said Allison Cheng, a violist and director of the Duo-na music group.

She was especially touched by the last piece, saying it “...possesses very strong positive energy and inclusive power. Healing harmony and compassionate energy flow from the music.”

Ms. Cheng also noted, “The synchronized formation of the orchestra is outstanding. From details like the composition and music arrangements, you can tell that the Shen Yun Performing Arts is very strong and their cohesion is amazing.”

“Graceful and Beautiful”

Wu Shu-ru, director of the Association of Audiophiles in Kaosiung.

Ms. Wu Shu-ru, director of the Association of Audiophiles in Kaosiung, said, “The melodies are graceful and beautiful, and can go deep down one's heart. The musical feast of Shen Yun gave an indescribably touching feeling to every cell of my body.”

“You feel that life is so beautiful. The heart can be expanded to this broad,” Ms. Wu described.

She expressed hope that Shen Yun can play more concerts and “...let the people on this land of Taiwan have more beautiful and peaceful moments in the heart.”

“Most Warming Sound”

Hung Liang-yi, conductor of the Feng Hua Music Studio.

Hung Liang-yi, the conductor of the Feng Hua Music Studio, said, “It's like the voice of parents gently calling and comforting us after we come home feeling tired from work. It can release a lot of the tiredness and pressure from work. It is the best, most warming sound!”

He felt that the orchestra's ability to maintain traditional cultural elements while using the Western way of composition is where “...Shen Yun is very excellent and successful.”

Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra will be heading back to North America with concerts in New York, NY on October 15, Boston, MA on October 21, and Toronto, Canada on October 23. For more information on tickets and dates, please visit ShenYun.com/symphony.