(Clearwisdom.net) The premiere of the Chinese New Year Spectacular show in Philadelphia was presented on the evening of January 4, 2008 at the Merriam Theatre. As the Divine Performing Arts Group arrived, the Greater Philadelphia mainstream media reported about and sponsored the show. The Bulletin published an article in its Guide to Winter Culture, commenting that the Chinese New Year Spectacular presents "visually stunning extravaganzas" celebrating The Chinese New Year.

The report said, "With Philadelphia the first stop during a tour of more than 50 international cities, 'Chinese New Year Spectacular' will dazzle audiences during New Tang Dynasty TV's (NTDTV) visually stunning extravaganzas at the Merriam Theater."

"From Jan. 4-6, five performances of traditional dances, songs and symphony will kick off this worldwide celebration. ... NTDTV's spectacular will reflect the richness of China's 5,000 years of history and traditions. More than 100 ornately costumed dancers and singers will enact traditional Chinese myths and legends to ring in the Year of the Rat, which begins on Feb. 7."

" 'Chinese New Year Spectacular' features performances by world-class artists including Guimin Guan, one of the outstanding tenors from China; Erhuist Xiaochun Qi, who has played the traditional Chinese string instrument for international audiences, and conductor Rutang Chen, a cellist for China's Central Philharmonic Society Orchestra for more than three decades before moving to the United States. Chen's wife Ningfang, a flutist, and son Gang, a bassoonist, join him on stage; daughter Ying works behind the scenes as stage manager.

"New Tang Dynasty TV (NTDTV), based in New York City, is an independent, nonprofit Chinese- and English-language broadcaster in North America, Asia, Europe and Australia. The Greater Philadelphia Asian Culture Center (GPACC) is a nonprofit, educational organization showcasing the Asian culture's beauty to enhance mutual understanding between East and West as well as to connect Asian American and mainstream communities.

" 'Chinese New Year Spectacular' will be performed on Jan.4 at 8p.m., Jan. 5 at 2 and 8 p.m., and Jan. 6 at 2 and 7 p.m. For more information, call (856) 437-4826, or visit www.bestchineseshows.com."