From there she became the first guitarist in China (that’s the whole of China!) to study at a music school. “At that time, no music school in China had an established guitar department, so there was no clear path to follow. I was admitted as an “unofficial” student, which meant there was no formal qualification at the end of my studies, and my parents had to make a significant financial commitment to support this unconventional choice. The school brought in my existing guitar teacher specifically for me.”


By the time she left, things were changing, “The administration caught up with what was happening on the ground, and a formal guitar department was established. I was then able to graduate with an official qualification – the first Bachelor of Music degree in China awarded to a guitarist.”


The heritage of classical guitar is inextricably linked with Spain and the collaboration with flamenco dancer Maria Vega, which came about through a friend, enabled Xuefei to bring a visual element to a project that would celebrate that rich music and dance tradition.


The pair’s second touring project ‘Silk and Fire: Bridging Cultures along the Silk Road from the Orient to Iberia’ brings both of their cultures together: “The Spanish works bring rhythmic vitality and emotional intensity, while the Chinese pieces offer a contrasting sense of lyricism and elegance, often inspired by nature and ancient stories. Along the way, there are moments where these traditions meet and intertwine, revealing unexpected connections.”


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Xuefei’s career has already exceeded her own dreams but has also paved the way for those who follow. “People sometimes describe me as a musical pioneer, and I understand why. I chose a path that didn’t yet exist in my country, and in a small way, I helped to create it.”


13 DAYS OF MUSIC, PERFORMANCE AND LITERATURE


01543 306271 lichfieldfestival.org


Xuefei Yang and Maria Vega are at Lichfield Cathedral on Thu 16 July (7.30pm) as part of Lichfield Festival. Tickets and details www.lichfieldfestival.org or 01543 306271 (call-back service).


LIVE24-SEVEN.COM


ENTERTAINMENT LICHFIELD FESTIVAL 2026


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