Shen Yun Voices
We are artists, students, friends, family, and theatre patrons who all share one thing in common -- our lives have been touched by Shen Yun Performing Arts, the world's premier classical Chinese dance company. Over the past 17 years, Shen Yun's popularity has skyrocketed, becoming a household name in many parts of the world. Yet few understand how this unique American company operates nor what it is like to participate in its performances. As a community, we have come together to offer our personal experiences and insights on what life is like working with Shen Yun Performing Arts.
Shen Yun Voices
Not What You Expect - Shen Yun Musicians Gabriela and Gustavo Briceno
Today we’re chatting with Shen Yun Orchestra musicians Gabriela and Gustavo Briceno, a couple from Venezuela. Gabby is an award-winning bassoonist, Gustavo a violinist; they talk about their unexpected journey together and their take about being part of Shen Yun Performing Arts.
Hosted by Leeshai Lemish, Shen Yun MC.
This conversation has been edited for brevity.
Links:
Special long-distance relationship on tour: https://www.shenyunperformingarts.org/blog/view/article/e/q7ccljjAlcg/on-tour-daily-diary#Jan-14
Gabriela Gonzalez-Briceno bio: https://www.shenyunperformingarts.org/artists/view/article/e/2XmDkyocSVE/bassoon-gabriela-gonzalez-briceno.html
Gabriela’s Instagram day in a life:
https://www.instagram.com/shenyunperformingarts/reel/CpxaM3xNHEh/
Erhu vs. violin with Gustavo:
https://www.shenyunperformingarts.org/videos/latest-videos/play/-tRTkhoMrrU/erhu-versus-violin.html
Timestamps:
00:44 Leaving Venezuela for NY
04:13 Joining Shen Yun
07:40 Auditions
10:43 Culture shock
12:10 Mental strength
13:23 Gustavo’s change
16:00 Gabriela’s change
20:47 Arguments
22:49 Company culture different orchestras
26:01 The process of music making
32:36 Sharing notes with other musicians
34:37 Is it a cult?
42:11 Long-distance relationship