Yan Xiaoyang, 68, from Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, spent over a decade establishing himself as a top violin maker.
During the 50th Annual Violin Society of America Convention and the 25th International Competition held in Indiana, US, from Nov 17 to 22, 2024, Yan won the award of Viola Artisanship, marking the highest honor achieved by Ningxia in such international events.
The event attracted 450 participants from over 40 countries and regions worldwide and showcased more than 1,000 instruments, including violins, violas, cellos, and double basses.
Yan Xiaoyang makes a violin at his studio in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
At the age of 14, Yan first encountered the violin purchased by his father.
"My four brothers and I were all fond of it, but it was difficult for me to get a turn, which sparked my interest in making my own violin," Yan recalled.
Three years later, with a knack for woodworking, Yan crafted his first violin.
"Although the sound quality was unsatisfactory, it marked the first step," he said. "Since then, handmade violins have been my hobby."
In 2014, Yan fulfilled his long-cherished dream of learning professional violin making under the guidance of the international violin maker Chang Zhongqiu.
"Under Chang's guidance, I gradually grasped the essence of violin making and successfully produced high-quality violins," he said. "I also received guidance from the international violin-making master Zheng Quan, which further emphasized my attention to detail in violin making and perfect musical expression."
Yan Xiaoyang makes a violin at his studio in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
In 2019, Yan began participating in various international violin-making competitions.
"There are more than 100 processes in the violin craftsmanship and each must be meticulously executed," he said. "Violin making involves many crucial processes that determine the instrument's sound and quality, such as crafting the top and back plates."
To ensure the violin achieves a balanced resonance, Yan designed the top and back plates with 68 points on each.
"I measure the thickness of each point with a micrometer," he said. "Excellent violin makers need to adhere to craftsmanship standards strictly and undergo repeated adjustments to achieve the instrument's desired acoustic state."
Yan Xiaoyang makes a violin at his studio in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Yan Xiaoyang makes a violin at his studio in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
A photo shows the violin made by Yan Xiaoyang. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
