NEW YORK -Inaki Astondoa knows what it takes to be a good classical singer and to stage a production like the Chinese New Year Splendor. He has had a singing career of over 60 years.
The first time he heard Chinese singing was when he attended the Splendor at Radio City Music Hall on Thursday. He was impressed with the singers, especially tenor Hong Ming.
"Tremendous range, amazing range … he goes very high," said Astondoa. "It takes a long time [to train]. Classical music singing, you have to take care of your voice, your body because it takes a lot."
Astonda's first contact with music came when he was under six years old. Later, as one of five singers, he performed in a popular award-winning band in the 1960s.
Astonda added that Divine Performing Arts has good dancers, in particular the two male lead dancers in the program "Fruits of Goodness."
He said the dancers must go through "classical dancing training" which is very difficult to do and takes "total dedication."
He also liked the male drumming performance. "Amazing, because not only they are doing their drumming, but they were jumping. Those things are very hard to do."
Astonda appreciated not only the performers' professional skills but also of the Splendor 's artistic presentation.
"The show is very, very nice to see, to watch. Not just because it is different, it is beautiful, very beautiful, very entertaining; educational too. I like everything."
The Chinese New Year Splendor continues in New York through Saturday, Feb. 9. For other shows in the Divine Performing Arts world tour, please visit: www.DivinePerformingArts.org .
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Chinese New Year Splendor.