Canadian Music Executive: This Show is World Class

The 2008 Chinese New Year Spectacular showcased the best of Chinese classical and ethnic dance, music, and song at Toronto's Sony Centre for the Performing Arts Friday night.

Heather Ostertag, who attended the show, knows a thing or two about music herself, having been active in the Canadian music industry for more than 35 years.

Ostertag has been named among Canada's most influential music executives and has earned numerous accolades, including induction into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame. For 18 years, she's been president of the Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent On Records (FACTOR).

"The show is amazing and incredible, one of the most entertaining I have seen in a very long time," Ostertag said Friday night. "It is the first time I've seen a classical Chinese performance and I will come back; I want to see more."

Ostertag is currently chair of the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) and has been named lifetime director of the East Coast Music Awards.

She said she could not choose a favourite part of the Chinese New Year Spectacular. "I love them all," she said, but added, "I love the drums – they were incredible."

According to Ostertag, the quality of performances is on par with the best in the world.

"It is world class," she said. "The singers, dancers are all first class; This [show] will stand up against anything in the world.

"The talent of the performers, the integrity of the whole show – I really liked it."

Although Ostertag described the show as "inspiring, entertaining, and fun," she said it carried a message that went beyond entertainment.

She touched on Divine Performing Arts' stated mission of restoring the divinely-inspired culture of ancient China, which has been trampled over decades of communist rule.

"Something has to be done so that the people can celebrate what they are. Chinese culture has to be allowed back into China."

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Divine Performing Arts shows that will perform in over 60 cities worldwide in 2008. To find a show near you, please visit www.bestchineseshows.com.