Strings of inspiration

Classical guitarist Yang Xuefei is set to tour the country with her new album, Chen Nan reports.

Like many other artists, classical guitarist Yang Xuefei was scheduled to tour different countries, recording new albums and performing in front of live audiences. However, in the past three years, she had to change her plans frequently due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It was very depressing to reschedule over and over again. I tried hard to cheer myself up and adjust to the 'new normal'," says Yang.

A way to cope with the situation for her was to listen to some classics that she grew up with, and play them.

"I hadn't listened to some such pieces for years because I was always looking for new music. But I found them very comforting, especially during this difficult time," says Yang.

The enjoyment inspired Yang to record a new album, titled Guitar Favourites, which was released on Nov 24 by the Decca label. The album was recorded and produced at the London Abbey Road Studios in April.

Yang's new album puts together a personal selection of music — 22 pieces — showcasing her career and ranges from the music she played as a young girl to audience favorites she performed countless times onstage earlier.

"The guitar feels like a lifelong companion to me. After more than 35 years with my guitar, I have grown as a person and as an artist. I know the guitar better than before, and I feel I have my own voice on it," says Yang. "I want more people to fall in love with this beautiful instrument. I feel it's time to return to the quintessential guitar music that first drew me, and many others, to its spell."