Strings of inspiration

The album opens with Asturias (Leyenda), one of the best-known compositions of Spanish composer Isaac Albeniz. Yang played that piece as a child.

"It's a very beautiful music piece that takes people into the world of classical guitar," says Yang.

When she was 9 years old, Yang went to a concert of one of her favorite classical guitarists John Williams in Beijing, where Williams played that music.

In her new album, Yang also plays When the Birds Return, composed by Williams. She calls Williams her "mentor".

"When I was a student of the middle school affiliated to the Central Conservatory of Music, I once went to a workshop by Williams in Beijing. He inspired me and encouraged me to renew my ambition to become a professional guitarist," recalls Yang.

When Williams heard her play, he gave two of his own instruments to Yang's school, one especially for her.

However, it was also a time when Yang was lost and confused about her future. Because she was the first and only student in the school learning classical guitar back then, she felt lonely. Compared to other Western musical instruments, such as the piano or the violin, which were popular among Chinese music learners, the guitar seemed to be a minority taste.

She says when she decided to pursue a career as a classical guitarist, it was a risky choice, as few in the country had done so before.

"Though it was not a popular instrument, the sound's magical quality kept surprising me," recalls Yang.

Yang also recorded Fandango (from Tres Piezas Espanolas) in her new album, paying tribe to the Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo. The song carries special significance for Yang. When she was a teenager, Yang had her debut concert in Madrid, as part of her tour of Spain and Portugal. The composer came to her concert and Yang performed Fandango.