Shen Yun is set to dazzle the Front Range this March and April with its signature blend of music and dance, inspired by 5,000 years of Chinese history.

Renowned for its breathtaking revival of classical Chinese dance, Shen Yun has captivated audiences worldwide. Yet, while the dance often takes center stage, the music—performed by Shen Yun’s groundbreaking orchestra—is equally deserving of the spotlight. Combining Eastern and Western musical traditions, the orchestra delivers a unique and powerful sound that consistently earns standing ovations. Others have experimented with this type of musical fusion, but Shen Yun has perfected it.

A new Sino-European Renaissance

A revival of classical Chinese dance naturally requires Chinese music as accompaniment. But Shen Yun’s revival goes beyond knocking the dust off old performances it fished out of the basement. At the heart of Shen Yun’s performances lies an extraordinary musical partnership. By blending the grandeur of a Western symphony with the expressive tones of traditional Chinese instruments, Shen Yun has created a sonic experience unlike any other. Signature instruments such as the pipa (a Chinese lute) and the 4,000-year-old erhu (a two-stringed bowed instrument) weave their delicate voices into the lush tapestry of a full orchestra.

This fusion wasn’t easy to achieve.

As conductor Ying Chen explains, “Creating the beautiful blend of these traditions isn’t just a matter of the individual players, of course. It starts with an exceptional vision and the composition of the pieces; it also relates to the rehearsal process. Having imagination and creativity certainly helps too.”

One key to this innovation is Shen Yun’s use of harmony and counterpoint—techniques that originated in the European Renaissance. While traditional Chinese music is primarily monophonic (focused on a single melodic line), Shen Yun’s composers embrace the complexity of Western classical techniques to craft rich, multi-layered compositions that elevate the orchestra’s sound to new heights. Chen says, “If we were to use only Chinese instruments, we’d be missing important elements of harmony, chords, and counterpoint.”

Messages from the Heart

Shen Yun’s music is more than a technical achievement; it’s a spiritual journey. Audience members often describe feeling deeply moved by the performances, like one who remarked, “Shen Yun is truly a gift of life. It touches the depths of the soul. No matter how you feel, you’ll leave refreshed. It’s absolutely wonderful.”

Overwhelming positivity is common after the shows. Audiences are regularly moved to tears. Why?

Chen says, “I think it has a lot to do with the messages and values we convey. I think we highlight the best of the human spirit, and at times take people to a realm where heaven and earth intertwine. We aim for something we call ‘chun shan, chun mei’ which means ‘pure kindness, pure beauty.’ This is something our performers strive for on a personal level as well as in our performance.”

The passion behind Shen Yun is undeniable. Since the performances do not use dialogue, the music is the sound of both triumph and horror, and everything in between. The instruments must be as nuanced as a gifted speaker.

Chen continues, “Without spirit, emotion, and the other ideas being communicated, musical notes are empty and meaningless. Spirit and meaning give music its life and soul.”

The Healing Power of Music

In ancient China, the words for music and medicine were homophones—a reflection of the belief that music could heal the body and mind. This concept is gaining recognition in modern medicine, with studies showing that classical music can boost memory, reduce pain, and support physical healing. Ancient Chinese philosophers associated the five notes of the pentatonic scale with the five elements of nature—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—believing that music drawn from these elements could restore balance to the body and harmonize the listener with heaven and earth.

For Chen, however, understanding Shen Yun’s music doesn’t require a deep dive into philosophy or theory. She simply states, “Open up your heart and mind, feel what the music is saying, and let it enrich your life!”

Experience It for Yourself

China was legendary before communism. Come see the China worth loving. This spring, Shen Yun invites you to witness this unparalleled fusion of music and dance for yourself. Don’t miss your chance to experience a performance that has inspired and moved audiences across the globe.

2025 Front Range Show Dates:

Cheyenne Civic Center, March 25-26

Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts, March 28-30

The Buell Theatre in Denver, April 2-6

Showtimes and tickets available at: shenyun.com/co