Two of China’s top classical soloists — violinist Ning Feng and guitarist Xuefei Yang — reunite for an intimate night of virtuosic duets and solo pieces, including Paganini’s fiery sonata and works inspired by their shared roots. Expect flawless technique, emotional depth, and a rare chance to catch these world-class musicians in Shanghai’s Concert Hall.

Violinist Ning Feng and classical guitarist Xuefei Yang first met while studying at London’s Royal Academy of Music and have kept a close friendship ever since. Both are internationally acclaimed soloists in their own right, and now they’re teaming up for a program of violin and guitar duets.

Paganini, nicknamed the "Devil on the Violin," also played guitar and wrote the perfect centerpiece for this show — his Sonata Concertata for violin and guitar. Ning Feng is also a former winner of the Paganini International Violin Competition.

Schubert naturally makes the cut too — he was said to compose on guitar, and after hearing Paganini in Vienna in 1828, wrote, “I have heard an angel sing.”

Besides the Western classics, Ning and Xuefei have included some pieces from the East as a nod to their shared homeland.

To seal the friendship vibe, each artist will also perform a solo piece chosen from the other’s instrument repertoire as a personal salute.

Meet the Artists

Ning Feng — Violin

Ning Feng is one of the world’s top violinists, known for his rich lyrical playing, natural musicality, and stunning technique. He regularly performs with top orchestras and conductors worldwide and appears in major festivals and concert series. The Washington Post calls his tone “creamy and emotionally honest,” while Gramophone praised his Brahms sonatas recording as “simply ravishing.”

In the 24/25 season, highlights include concerts with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields in China, collaborations with orchestras in Europe, the UK, South Korea, and the US, and a return to the prestigious Wigmore Hall in London.

Born in Chengdu, China, Ning studied in Sichuan, Berlin, and London. He was the first student in nearly 200 years at the Royal Academy of Music to get a perfect score in his graduation recital. Ning plays a rare 1710 Stradivarius violin named “Vieuxtemps Hauser.”

Besides a busy performing schedule, Ning teaches in Berlin and Manchester and holds leadership roles in Chinese conservatories.

Xuefei Yang — Classical Guitar

Xuefei Yang is a top classical guitarist with a trailblazing career. She was the first guitarist in China to major in guitar at a conservatory and the first internationally successful Chinese guitarist. She started performing at age 10 and wowed legendary composers and guitarists, including Joaquín Rodrigo and John Williams, who gifted her guitars.

Born in Beijing and trained there and in London, Xuefei has played over 50 countries at top venues like London’s Wigmore Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, and Carnegie Hall in New York.

She’s worked with world-class orchestras across the globe and is known for blending Chinese cultural elements into her repertoire, commissioning and adapting new works. Her recordings have won critical acclaim and hit classical music charts worldwide.

Xuefei is known for connecting with audiences as much as for her technical skill. She collaborates widely, from classical stars to crossover artists, and frequently appears on major TV and radio programs. She also serves as an artistic director and is recognized as one of the world’s top classical guitarists by BBC Music Magazine and Classic FM.

Shanghai Concert Hall