Many Voices and Cultures Celebrate the Chinese New Year Splendor in New York

(Clearwisdom.net) One of the more amazing aspects of the New Year Splendor's run at Radio City Music Hall was the variety of cultures represented by the people that came to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Some of those attending the show were familiar with Chinese culture, and for others it was an introduction to something entirely new to them.

Anna, who works in finance, came to the U.S. from China over 30 years ago. She said during an intermission, "I've liked all the performances. One of the most impressive so far is the drums--the victory drums. They're all very good. It revives the Chinese culture and brings it to the American-Chinese community." Anna stressed how we can lose touch with our culture. "Many of us don't speak Chinese anymore and the second generation doesn't know about Chinese culture, and this would be very good for them [to see]. So this is good for the next generation and for everyone else, because we live in a mixed society in America. American-Chinese are part of America. Everyone really comes from an immigrant background, maybe a grandfather or great grandfather. It is good for the younger ones and for everyone to know about Chinese [culture]."

George Poer, an accountant, is Philippino-Chinese. He grew up in the Philippines and has lived in the U.S. for over 20 years. Mr. Poer said he had wanted to learn about "the real tradition and heritage of the Chinese," like that from "olden times." He said the show was the "Chinese heritage and tradition that I was looking for. This was the first time I have ever seen something like this live. I enjoyed it. The music, the dances--they are really different, and so graceful."

Luis Luyba is a project manager. He said he is from Peru. He commented, "To see the culture was very nice. I loved it! It was the first time I've seen something like that. The music, the way they dance, the dresses--lovely! I would recommend it to everybody." My. Luyba commented on the Falun Gong aspects of the show, "They were very good--the ones about liberty--everything related to freedom. It was very good, perfect. Congratulations."

Christina, a credit manager, was with Mr. Luyba, and she commented, "Yes, it was very nice. I am from Romania, also a different culture. We really enjoyed it! There were very good messages in the show. They have to defend liberty because what's happening is not right. It's right for people to fight for liberty."

Patrick Carter, who works in the Finance Department of a local hospital, spoke about the show with a strong Irish brogue. About his favorite part of the show, he said, "The opening, of course. The whole spectacular part of the opening, and the story behind the opening. It was all very, very good. It reminded me of how many religions have same idea of the creation of the world. This seemed to [reflect] something similar where the god-figure came down from heaven."

Ghislaine Glanville, a nurse, said warmly, "It was beautiful! I will recommend it to my friends for the whole family. It's like watching five thousand years of civilization. It was beautiful--the orchestra, the dancers, the choreography." She added, "It was like watching five thousand years of civilization of compassion, of forbearance. That was beautiful. Forbearance and compassion, I hope that Chinese people, young and old, keep those words in mind. If they do that, it would be a better country and a better society."