【正見新聞網2010年01月18日】
美國神韻藝術團將於27日到31日在香港演出七場，消息廣受各界歡迎，門票在開售後不久即告售罄。歐洲議會副主席愛德華·麥克米蘭-斯考特（MEP Edward McMillan-Scott）得悉喜訊後向主辦單位發出祝賀電郵，表示很高興美國神韻藝術團在香港演出。
他認為，神韻之所以轟動全球，其中一個原因是藝術團將中國古老神話故事結合現代的故事或勇氣，創造出東西方都喜愛的現代史詩；而現場演奏的西方管弦樂團加入傳統中國樂器，進一步拉近了東西文化的距離。他又盛讚神韻藝術團的演出讓人愉快而富教育性、豐富而鼓舞人心。
以下是賀詞全文：
我很高興美國紐約神韻藝術團將於香港演出。我辦公室的全體成員有幸欣賞到藝術團在歐洲的巡演，對每位團員的演出技術讚嘆不已，也被描繪法輪功學員面對鎮壓的動人畫面所感動。
神韻之所以轟動全球，其中一個原因是那些非常有天份的舞蹈演員、音樂家、舞蹈編導、服裝設計師和場景設計師能夠將中國古老神話故事結合現代的故事或勇氣，創造出東西方都喜愛的現代史詩。
現場演奏的西方管弦樂團加入傳統中國樂器，進一步拉近東西文化的距離，所產生的獨特音色，與極富創意的舞蹈編排互相輝映。
所有這些元素匯合在一起所創造的這麼一場秀，讓人愉快而富教育性、豐富多采而鼓舞人心。
不過，重要的是要記住，在中國這樣的藝術演繹和個性是不被允許的。高壓的中共政權一直以來都在打壓藝術界。藝術是包容的、富啟發性並且神奇般把全球的人們拉近。藝術讓我們放下分歧，欣賞別人的文化。這正為中共政權所懼怕。
神韻為其演員中包括法輪功修煉者而驕傲。自從1999年到現在，奉行這種和平生活方式的人群遭到（中共）可怕的鎮壓、監禁和虐待。通過像神韻藝術團和她的一群接受傳統訓練的世界級演員這樣的表演，我們可以向世界展示：我們為了反對壓迫而聯合，通過欣賞各自文化而結合在一起，透過對表演藝術的共同喜愛而聯繫起來。◇
（附英文原文）
I am delighted that Shen Yun, the New York based dance and music company, is opening in Hong Kong. My office had the pleasure of seeing the company during their European tour and was amazed by the skill exhibited by everyone involved, and were touched by the moving scenes depicting the horrific persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.
One of the reasons why Shen Yun is such a global sensation is the way in which the enormously talented dancers, musicians, choreographers, costume designers and set designers manage to engage ancient Chinese legends of virtue with contemporary tales or courage, creating a modern-day epic that can be enjoyed by East and West alike.
Our two cultures are further brought together by the inclusion of classical Chinese instruments in a live Western orchestra, resulting in a unique sound that mirrors the unmistakable originality of the choreography.
All of these elements combined come together to produce a show that is at once entertaining and educational, enriching and inspiring.
However, it is important to remember that in China such an expression of artistic interpretation and individuality would not be allowed. The Art World has long been suppressed by the oppressive communist Chinese regime. Art is something inclusive, stimulating and has the amazing ability of uniting people all across the globe. Art allows us to put aside our differences and appreciate the cultures of others. It is this that the Chinese regime fears.
Shen Yun takes pride in including in its company artists who perform the meditative practice of Falun Gong. Since 1999, those who have taken part in this peaceful way of life have been terribly persecuted, imprisoned and abused. It is through expressions such as these made by the Shen Yun company and its world-class, classically-trained crew that we can demonstrate to the world that we are united against oppression, integrated by appreciation for each other's culture, and connected through a common love of expressive performing arts.
（大紀元）