Yo-Yo Ma is one of the most distinguished and influential classical musicians of our time, renowned for his extraordinary accomplishments as a cellist. Born on October 7, 1955 in Paris, France to Chinese parents, Ma's musical talent emerged at an incredibly young age. He began studying cello at the age of four, and his family moved to New York City for his further musical education. A child prodigy, he was performing by the age of seven and later graduated from The Juilliard School and Harvard University.

Through a career stretching over five decades, Yo-Yo Ma has recorded over 100 albums, won numerous Grammy Awards, and enchanted audiences worldwide with his passionate performances and collaborations across different musical genres. Ma’s versatility is evident, as he's known for his interpretations of traditional classical repertoire, his exploration of contemporary music, and his projects that bridge cultures and musical forms. He has commissioned and premiered works from a diverse array of composers, lending his virtuosic touch to everything from baroque to modern compositions. His recent releases such as “Nature at Play: J.S. Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 (Live from the Great Smoky Mountains)” and "Hope Amid Tears - Beethoven: Cello Sonatas" showcase his dedication to the classical canon, while "Songs of Comfort and Hope" reflects his continued commitment to music as a means of connection and healing in challenging times.

Beyond his recording and performance career, Yo-Yo Ma is also known for his fervent advocacy for cultural exchange and education. He founded the Silk Road Ensemble in 1998, which seeks to foster global artistic collaboration. His accolades are extensive, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Polar Music Prize, and being named one of Time magazine's "100 Most Influential People" in 2020. Ma's ability to convey the emotional essence of music, along with his intellectual insight and charismatic personality, has solidified his status as a beloved cultural ambassador and one of the premier cellists of our age.

Genres

Chamber Ensemble

Classical Cello

Classical Performance

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Latest Release

Merci

Yo-Yo Ma•

Kathryn Stott

Album - 17 Tracks - Released October 25, 2024