SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Spanish Violinist and Composer: ‘Every Musician and Dancer Exemplifies the Utmost Professionalism’

Mar 01, 2026

3/1/2026Updated: 3/3/2026

SAN LORENZO de EL ESCORIAL, Spain—On the evening of Feb. 28, 2026, Shen Yun New York Company performed to a full house at the Teatro Auditorio San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Thunderous applause echoed throughout the theater as audiences responded enthusiastically to the evening’s performance.

Among those in attendance was Spanish violinist, composer, and film director Jezabel Martínez Fabra, who offered high praise from her perspective as a professional musician and filmmaker.

Ms. Martínez graduated from the TAI Film and Television Academy in Madrid and has been active in film scoring, earning the SCIFE Award for Best Original Score at international festivals.

Reflecting on the performance, she said, “It was wonderful. For me, it was a gift—an invitation, a discovery. I also come from a background in traditional music, specifically Celtic music, so I have some knowledge in this area. The combination of traditional Chinese music and dance—where dance becomes the companion of music—was remarkable. It goes beyond music and dance; it embodies elegance and subtlety. Every musician and dancer exemplified the utmost professionalism. It has been a long time since I witnessed something so beautiful.”

Based in New York, Shen Yun is dedicated to reviving 5,000 years of Chinese civilization through classical Chinese dance and music, allowing audiences worldwide to experience China before communism. This mission resonated deeply with Ms. Martínez.

“I think this kind of artistry is needed in the world today—to restore harmony, beauty, elegance, and subtlety, which have been lost,” she said. “Fortunately, many nations have preserved the essence of their folk traditions. Listening to traditional music and watching traditional dance is like rekindling something within us—within our genes, our ancestral memory—and reliving it in the present.”

She also sensed a shared response among the audience. “I think the audience was fascinated. The energy in the air was palpable. I hope to see Shen Yun again, as I was genuinely enthralled. I hope this music and dance continue to inspire humanity for many years to come. Thank you immensely—it was truly magnificent.”

A distinctive feature of Shen Yun is its orchestra, which combines a classical Western symphonic foundation with traditional Chinese instruments such as the erhu and pipa—the first ensemble of its kind to achieve this harmonious balance.

Ms. Martínez warmly commended this rare fusion. “I really appreciated it,” she said. “Coming from Celtic music, I’m familiar with blending Western instruments. For example, a string orchestra includes violin, viola, cello, and double bass, while Celtic music incorporates instruments like the bodhrán and the Irish flute. Here, it was wonderful to hear a Western orchestra integrated with an instrument I cherish—the erhu, also known as the Chinese violin.

“As a violinist, I’ve known it for years. When combined, it creates a beautiful fusion. Although Eastern and Western cultures may seem different, they are more similar than they appear. We are united in the pursuit of harmony.”

She continued, “Traditional Chinese instruments, such as the guqin, are also beautiful. They share the same expressive quality as the violin, often called the instrument of the human soul.”

Ms. Martínez also praised Shen Yun’s erhu soloist in particular. “I really appreciated the erhu soloist—I consider her a virtuoso. ... I paid close attention to her bow movements, which are quite similar to those of the violin.

“During the final crescendos, as the tempo accelerated, the intensity she employed made it feel as though she and the instrument were no longer separate, but unified. She executed it phenomenally. This is the moment when an artist becomes one with the instrument—a magical state where there is no separation between mind, body, and sound, but complete harmony.”

She also spoke highly of the message conveyed by the performance. “It felt as though it spoke to everyone. It carries a universal message. That’s why I understand how it can be presented all over the world. It doesn’t need words to express itself—it conveys unity, harmony, tolerance, and above all, kindness through dance, imagery, and music.

“What I take away from Shen Yun is this: using kindness to achieve harmony. It transcends the material realm—the cold, earthly plane—and connects with the subtle spiritual realm.

“Everyone carries divinity within. I will remind myself of that and treasure it in my heart. It was a great honor to see this performance; it was truly breathtaking. As I left, I felt as though I were floating on clouds. Thank you all so much.”

Reporting by NTD and Olivia Li.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.