A Chinese Conductor with a Great Violin
Had you happened to be in China this past week, you might have witnessed an unusual and striking scene: an Israeli–Jewish composition performed by a Russian orchestra, conducted by a Chinese maestro with a deep personal connection to Judaism and the Jewish people.
“Chinese culture holds Jewish culture in high esteem.”
Nadav Gdalia
What possible link could there be between a world-renowned Chinese conductor and the observance of the Jewish Sabbath? To understand this, one must become acquainted with the story of Jianan Yan (EW in Chinese, for those who insist)—a 36-year-old Chinese conductor whose path took an unexpected turn when it emerged that he observes the Sabbath.
Judaism, as he gradually came to realize, is not an abstract or foreign idea, but part of the modern history of cities within China itself. Its presence remains visible to this day in historical sites, architecture, and cultural memory. This became especially clear to him in the city of Tianjin, where he grew up, and where an active Jewish community flourished in the early twentieth century.
“In Odessa, the connection became more personal,” he recalls. “One of my conducting teachers was Professor David Iosifovich Spitiner (1925–2011), a conductor at the Odessa National Opera and a musician of Jewish origin. Beyond his professional influence, it was through him that I was exposed to values identified with the Jewish tradition—respect for learning, personal responsibility, and the transmission of values from one generation to the next.”
Over the years, he came to understand that conducting is not merely a profession, but a way of perceiving the world. “An orchestra is a miniature model of society: it brings together tradition and innovation, discipline and freedom of expression, individual voices and a single shared goal.”
Observing the Sabbath in China
The most remarkable aspect of his story is his observance of the Sabbath. “I grew up in a Seventh-day Adventist family, a community that sanctifies the Sabbath, so I have observed it since childhood. From sunset on Friday until Saturday night, I try to refrain from work, business messages, and unnecessary daily concerns. This time is devoted to prayer, quiet reflection, family, and inner renewal.”
In his view, the Sabbath serves as a weekly reminder that life is not only about productivity and efficiency, but also about meaning, gratitude, and inner calm—an idea strikingly close to the Jewish understanding of Shabbat.
Chinese Culture and Judaism: A Deep Connection
How does he perceive the relationship between Chinese culture and Judaism?
“I understand this connection through two central axes. The first is historical and tangible: through the Silk Road, through the emergence and settlement of the Jewish community in Kaifeng, and through the historical ties between our peoples. The second axis is spiritual and comparative, touching on the deep structures of both traditions.”
According to him, both cultures place strong emphasis on practical ethics, family responsibility, textual study, and communal continuity. “This explains why many people intuitively feel that the two traditions share a similar character—what is often described as a common temperament.”
Jewish Communities in China
Are there still connections to Judaism in China today?
“Yes. There are individuals who see themselves as descendants of the historic Jewish community of Kaifeng and seek to revive study and tradition. In major cities there are also small Jewish communities, mostly of expatriates, with active communal life and Sabbath observance. In addition, there is a small number of Chinese people who study Judaism seriously—sometimes due to family connections, and sometimes as part of a conversion process.”
He attributes this interest to a combination of growing historical awareness, increased exposure to the world through cultural exchange, and an attraction to Judaism’s core values: ethics, learning, family, and community.
And what is the general Chinese attitude toward Jews and Israel?
“There is no widespread anti-Jewish sentiment in Chinese society. Relations between China and Israel have long been friendly, characterized by mutual respect and cooperation in many fields—culture, science, technology, agriculture, and education. While one may occasionally encounter critical voices toward Israel on social media, this is a marginal phenomenon that does not reflect the position of the majority.”
A Bridge Between Cultures: A Concert in China
At the time of the interview, Jianan spoke with excitement about an especially symbolic concert: on January 1, at the Changsha Concert Hall in Hunan, he conducted the Second Piano Concerto by Israeli composer Dr. Baruch Berliner, performed by a Russian symphony orchestra.
It was a rare international convergence: an Israeli work, performed by a Russian orchestra, conducted by a Chinese maestro, in one of China’s newest and most advanced concert halls. The main auditorium seats approximately 1,446 listeners.
“Performing an Israeli work on such a stage carries a special significance,” he says, “because Berliner’s compositions draw on Jewish motifs and biblical narratives. The Second Concerto is based on the oratorio Abraham.”
What impressed him most about the music?
“There is a distinctive atmosphere—an element of mystery, sometimes delicate and sometimes strikingly direct. Even when the music is lyrical, it carries an inner tension and a clearly defined personal color. I believe this performance offered the Chinese audience a genuine introduction to his work. A live concert allows one to feel the depth, imagination, and personal voice of the composer, and I am confident it inspires sincere interest in further engagement with his music.”