No time for solo

Four star musicians put their talents to work in a group instead of pursuing individual careers. They tell Chen Nan why chamber music excites them.

Yang Yichen has a remarkable resume, learning the cello since he was aged 8, collaborating with China's first female conductor Zheng Xiaoying and the Xiamen Symphony Orchestra at 14, and now pursuing his master's degree at China's top music school, the Central Conservatory of Music, in Beijing.

For many Chinese prodigies of his generation, standing out as a great soloist is the longtime wish of parents, teachers and even themselves. However, this is what Yang has refused to do.