My favorite performance piece was by the youth orchestra. It was very distinctive compared to many orchestras I have seen. The performers conceived a fantastically creative concert with music from all over the world, played on many different kinds of instruments. One instrument I had never seen hitherto was an erhu, or Chinese violin. The orchestra included several erhu players, a saxaphonist, a pianist, drums, and others. During the performance, several players even switched instruments. For example, the adroit lead erhu player switched between performing solo on erhu and drums. He was amazing. The orchestra played everything from traditional chinese music to a theme from "The Sound of Music" and Yankee Doodle Dandy. They were exceptional. Perhaps their most astonishing characteristics are that they all played together without a conductor and without sheet music in front of them. Because all of the players were hearing impaired, they memorized the music instead; they listened very closely to know when to come in.
I loved "My Dream". The performance also ballet components, martial arts, a dance performance of Butterfly Lovers, along with other resplendent dances. What touched me most, though, was the message the performance gave to everyone. It was not just to help everyone realize the capabilities of people who have physical or sensory impairments. The performers spread the potent message that everyone is capable, and that we can all begin to make the world a better place by spreading love and being kind to others.
They showed this not just with their lyrics, but with their altruistic kindness at the end of the show. The performers traversed the stage many times to greet the audience members cheering and applauding at its edge. One of the lead dancers, when she was given a bouquet of flowers, passed it on to a young girl who came up to the stage to meet her. The performers had not only created an amazing life for themselves, but were spreading an uplifting message and compassion to everyone. I hope they have a wonderful tour and are able to inspire many!
