Music is a universal language, something the musicians who joined hands in a wonderful concert in London know well.  

Chinese conductor Qian Junping, prize-winning violinist Ning Feng and classic guitarist Yang Xuefei collaborated with the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) on the "Image China East Meets West" concert at the Cadogan Hall on Thursday evening, presenting a diverse list of programs featuring folk tunes, classical music, and works of contemporary artists.

Before the concert, CGTN Europe talked to the musicians as they completed their final rehearsal.

It was not the first time guitarist Yang Xuefei has collaborated with the LPO. Yang completed a postgraduate degree at the Royal Academy of Music in London and she is familiar with the musicians and the classic musical culture in the UK. But playing Chinese music with the LPO made the event extra special for her.

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"As a musician, it's a privilege to communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds, that's the magic of music," she said. "Music on its own is a language."

That privilege has enabled her to extend her musical world even further. Yang played two pieces of Chinese music with the LPO for the concert, "A Lovely Rose," adapted from a Xinjiang folk tune, and "Concerto Magna Carta: III. Intense and energetic."

She mentioned that she was invited by composer Fu Changren to work on the cadenza in the adaptation of the folk tune, and was inspired by the instruments used in Xinjiang music.

"I was thinking about how they have plucked instruments like a Dombra, like a Rubab. And then they use the hand drums a lot, and then they sing and dance," she said, adding that she tried to embrace the essence of the music with her guitar.

"You can't just imitate the sound, you need to offer what you can on your own instruments."

With expertise in both Chinese and Western music, Yang enjoys the sources of inspiration from both cultures.

For the LPO's artists, the communications with their Chinese peers is not new.

LPO's principal piccolo Stewart Mcllwham and double bassist Laura Murphy have both mentioned their unforgettable collaboration with Tan Dun, a leading figure in contemporary classic music, during the Spring Festival at the beginning of the year.

They have been embracing the Chinese music as well.

"I especially like hearing Chinese traditional instruments in contrast with ours," said Murphy. She also mentioned her love of Chinese composers' works, which are "very melodic and harmonious."

The LPO used to travel to China on a regular basis before the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling them to get to know more about the Chinese music and musicians. Now, with the restrictions lifted at the borders, many artists have been looking forward to a journey back there soon.

"Music is a common language that we can share, so it's a pleasure for us to be doing this," said Murphy.

Video editing: Ai Yan and Li Ningning