Honoring the Chinese New Year Spectacular in Chicago
By Jose Rivera
Epoch Times Chicago Staff
Mar 08, 2007
A scene from one of the performances of the 2007 NTDTV Chinese New Year Spectacular. (NTDTV)
Prior to its performance on Saturday, March 3 in Chicago's Auditorium Theater, the Chinese New Year Spectacular was honored at a reception, which was also held in the theater.
The Chair of the event's organizing committee, Ms. Peng Su, opened the reception by saying, "Friends old and new welcome to the 2007 Chinese New Year Spectacular!"
Ms. Su introduced Dr. Yi Liu, General Manager of The Sound of Hope Radio Network NFP— local host of this global production seen in over 30 cities around the world.
Dr. Liu spoke about the principles and beliefs that guide Sound of Hope—principles and beliefs that she said are very much in step with the time-honored traditions that the Spectacular presents. She also spoke of the Chinese New Year as an occasion meaningful to billions of people—the most important holiday for ethnic Chinese and Eastern Asians worldwide.
Dr. Liu mentioned that the Spectacular had received more than 20 letters of greeting and support—including resolutions and proclamations from the Federal, State, County and Municipal levels.
Mr. Thomas Cho, Director General of The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, gratefully thanked the Organizing Committee "for bringing this Spectacular, and fabulous production of Chinese music and dance to Chicago." He went on to commend the organizers' commitment and dedication to the project.
Mr. Ernesto Paz Consul General of Argentina at a reception held honoring the Chinese New Year Spectacular in Chicago. (Valerie Avore/Epoch Times)
11th Ward Chicago City Alderman James Balcer presented the committee with a resolution honoring the Spectacular. He noted the important contributions of Chinese and Asian communities to American culture and especially paid respect to the Chinese peoples' much revered "family values" as something American culture badly needs.
Other speakers included State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago-3) whose constituents encompass Chicago's Chinatown area; Illinois' 9th US Congressional Representative Jan Shakowsky; and 7th District Cook County Commissioner Joseph Moreno, all offering greetings and good wishes.
While many supported the Spectacular's mission to share traditional Chinese culture, they did so in the face of pressure from the Chinese communist regime.
"After we heard a little bit about the kinds of harassment the Spectacular…had received, we did research on what was happening," said Commissioner Moreno's Assistant, Christina Saldana after the reception, referring to attempts made to interfere with the production of the Spectacular in Chicago. "The Commissioner represents Chinatown and he is adamant about human rights."
Like many officials, the Commissioner received a phone call from the Chinese Consulate before the reception urging him to withdraw his letter of greeting.
"The press secretary from the Consulate did call and was upset about the letter of greeting to the Spectacular. The consulate felt a letter of greeting to the Spectacular was very inappropriate," explained Saldena. "The Commissioner felt that sending a letter of greeting to the only large celebration on the occasion of the Chinese New Year was very appropriate, and refused to withdraw it."
Refusing to succumb to pressure, elected officials, like Commissioner Moreno, helped ensure a successful production that was enjoyed by all.
Remembering last year's show, Saldena commented, "I loved it. I love Chinese painting and art, and so I loved the [show] very much."
