September 18, 2025, marks the 140th anniversary of the birth of Uzeyir Hajibeyli – the great composer, founder of modern professional musical art in Azerbaijan, conductor, musicologist, publicist, playwright, educator, public figure, and People’s Artist of the USSR.

AZERTAC continues its series of conversations with prominent figures in music and culture. Speaking about the legacy of Uzeyir Hajibeyli, Claudia Yang – popular Chinese pianist-virtuoso, Artistic Director of the Silk Road International Arts Center – shared her thoughts.

“For me, Azerbaijan is by no means a distant land. Many of my friends who have visited returned deeply impressed—by its artistic vitality, the warmth and generosity of its people, and the striking harmony between tradition and modern life.

As a pianist, I have always sought to embrace the music of many cultures. Beyond Western classical traditions, I am equally drawn to the folk heritage of China and of nations across the world. In 2021, I was honored to serve as Artistic Director of the Belt and Road Great Wall International Folk Culture and Arts Festival, jointly organized by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Hebei Province. My responsibility was to design and guide the international exhibitions and performances.

It was then that I envisioned presenting a foreign operetta, and my choice naturally fell upon one of the world’s most beloved works: Arshin Mal Alan (The Cloth Peddler), composed in 1913 by Azerbaijan’s great national treasure, Uzeyir Hajibeyov.

The pandemic made it impossible to bring in international musicians, so I turned to outstanding orchestras and singers within China. When I shared this idea with the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to China, he immediately pledged his full support, and with the help of the embassy, I obtained the original score. Because of time constraints, I staged a concert version, collaborating with the Tianjin Song and Dance Theater Symphony Orchestra and its operetta singers.

Arshin Mal Alan already enjoys a cherished history in China. On May 30, 1959, it became the very first foreign operetta staged in Chinese translation at Beijing’s Tianqiao Theater, and it has since been warmly embraced by audiences, particularly in Tianjin.

I had the privilege of serving as stage director, overseeing the entire process—from casting and rehearsals to musical interpretation. To my joy, the musicians quickly entered into the spirit of the work. Hajibeyov’s operetta is far more than a charming love story. It is a vivid portrait of Azerbaijani life and character—its kindness, humor, and sincerity—and at the same time, it speaks a universal language that transcends boundaries of race, faith, and culture.

Musically, the score is rigorous in structure, refined in detail, and filled with beauty. Its melodies are lyrical and unforgettable; its rhythms, lively and varied. It encompasses every form of musical expression—solos, duets, ensembles, choruses, and dance. As a comic operetta, it distills the very essence of the performing arts.

I still remember the premiere evening vividly: the hall rang with laughter and applause, and the audience responded with the warmest admiration. That night, Arshin Mal Alan once again revealed the genius of Uzeyir Hajibeyov, bringing joy not only to Chinese listeners but also strengthening the cultural bonds between Azerbaijan, China, and the wider world.

It was a true tribute to the power of music—a power to unite, to inspire, and to create beauty beyond borders,” Claudia Yang emphasized.