Fine arts prof comments on visiting Chinese orchestra

Ron Singer, theatre professor emeritus with York’s Faculty of Fine Arts, said he was struck by the use of colour in the Shen Yun Performing Arts show, wrote New Tang Dynasty Television News (online) Jan. 26 in a story about the New York City-based musical group, which is associated with the Falun Gong movement.

“This is extremely entertaining and the word that occurs to me first and foremost is colourful, one of the most colourful presentations that I have seen in a long time.”

He also commented on the Shen Yun orchestra’s use of both Western and Chinese instruments. “The melding of the two is quite exceptional. Again, how they managed to do this, to appeal to a western audience, but at the same time, still stay true to the classical tradition, is an extra.”

On air

  • Peter Cumming, a professor of children’s studies in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, spoke about sexting, on CFRB Radio’s “The Bill Carroll Show” Jan. 25.
  • Pat Armstrong, sociology professor in York’s Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, spoke about an event hosted by the Canadian Union of Public Employees to raise awareness about the state of long-term care across Canada, on CHQR-AM 770 Radio’s “Calgary Today” Jan. 25.
  • Gordon Flett, a psychology professor in York’s Faculty of Health, spoke about the challenges of raising a perfectionist child, on CBC Radio (Newfoundland) Jan. 26.