HOUSTON, Texas—Musician and composer Ron Graves was blown away by Shen Yun Performing Arts on Sunday afternoon. “I’m struck by the level of excellence,” the trombone and low brass instrumentalist said. “Not only the musicians [and] the quality of the music, but the dancers and the costumes … it’s just a total experience—it’s fantastic!” New York-based Shen Yun enthralls audiences on four continents each year. Its present vignettes from the 5,000 years of Chinese civilization as it existed before communism. Classical Chinese dance, a live orchestra, and a patented digital backdrop blend together into one experience that cannot be found elsewhere. The unique blend of sound coming from the orchestra pit was something that captivated Mr. Graves’ trained ear. “Everything is so clear and they play their parts so well. I can hear all the different parts very well, and of course the string players are wonderful too! But I really appreciate that I notice …