(Clearwisdom.net) Asked what his favorite act was after the final show of the Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on Saturday night, Australia's top chess player and first chess grandmaster, Ian Rogers, unhesitatingly chose the "two stringed fiddle".
The 1st and 3rd Australian chess grandmasters: Ian Rogers (R) with colleague Zong Yuan Zhao (L)
When questioned as to why he found the "two string fiddle" so interesting, Mr. Rogers said he was astounded at the wide range of tones and the beautiful vibrato that filled the piece with emotion. This was something he hadn't experienced before from other stringed instruments, such as the violin.
Despite their immense fascination with Chinese culture, Ian and his wife Cathy Rogers were at first skeptical about coming to the Spectacular as they had doubts about whether they would really see authentic Chinese culture onstage. However, due to the persistent persuasion of their Chinese friend and fellow Australian chess grandmaster Zong Yuan Zhao, they not only sat through the whole show, but became completely riveted by the performances.
"My only grudge was that I had many favorite scenes, but before I had time to savor one, there was already another great scene. Just like good Chinese cuisine, before you can finish one course, the next dish is already on the table. I will self-invite myself next year for more!"
Divine Performing Arts is on a world tour with a goal to showcase 5,000 years of diverse mainland and ethnic Chinese culture. They will next tour other major Australian cities--Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide--before going on to New Zealand.
