(Minghui.org) Following the New Year, the five touring companies of Shen Yun Performing Arts have been performing across the U.S. and Canada, in California, Florida, Tennessee, Texas, Quebec, and Ontario. Theatergoers were delighted to start a new year by experiencing the beauty and spirituality of a revived culture.

Shen Yun performance at the Jones Hall for the Performing Arts in Houston, Texas

Former Judge and Senator: “This Was Superlative”

Quentin Kopp, former State Senator from California and former Superior Court Judge, at the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House on January 8, 2017.

“This was superlative,” said Quentin Kopp, former State Senator of California and Superior Court Judge.

“[Shen Yun] is giving evidence and expression to spirituality, as well as demonstrating a history of a great people with a great culture,” he said.

Mr. Kopp especially lauded the company's efforts in “retaining and maintaining that culture today in a difficult world.”

Former Texas Secretary of State: “Spectacular” and “Phenomenal”

George Strake, former Secretary of State for Texas, and his wife Annette at the Jones Hall for the Performing Arts in Houston on December 28, 2016.

“It’s spectacular,” said George Strake, former Secretary of State for Texas, who attended the performance for the third year on December 28 in Houston with his wife Annette. “The message they’re delivering is just phenomenal.”

“We’re very lucky,” Mrs. Strake said. “It’s always spectacular. It’s beautiful; it’s fabulous; it’s uplifting; it’s awesome.”

“Something That You'll Enjoy and Remember”

Mark Antonitis, general manager of KTSF TV Station, at the show in San Francisco on January 5, 2017.

“They are exceptional... It's remarkable to see people do the show they do,” said Mark Antonitis, the general manager of KTSF TV Station.

“It's not only fun, it's an experience,” Mr. Antonitis said. “Something that you’ll enjoy and remember.”

Violinist: “They Deserve All the Applause”

Violinist Gerard Svazlian at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco on January 5, 2017.

“Very nice. Very professional,” said violinist Gerard Svazlian after seeing the Shen Yun performance on January 5. “They deserve all the applause that they're getting, all the prizes all over the world.”

“All very nice,” he said. “Beautiful costumes, beautiful staging and designs and choreography.”

Portraying “The Evolution of the History of China”

Author Thaisa Frank and husband Keith Deutsch at the Shen Yun performance in San Francisco on January 5, 2017.

“It's fantastic... You'll see the evolution of the history of China,” said author Thaisa Frank, who attended the performance in San Francisco with husband Keith.

“I thought it was amazing,” said Ms. Frank, who was especially impressed by the orchestra. “It was a wonderful mix of Chinese music and Western music.”

Shen Yun will continue touring in North America with upcoming performances in New York, NY, January 11–15; Atlanta, GA, January 12–15; San Jose, CA, January 13–15; and Montreal, Canada, January 12–15. For more information on tickets and dates, please visit http://shenyun.com.