Yo-Yo Ma (born October 7, 1955) is an American cellist. One of the most celebrated cellists of his generation, Ma has performed as a soloist with leading orchestras around the world, and has collaborated with a wide range of musicians from different cultures.
Born in Paris to Chinese parents, Ma began playing the cello at the age of four. He made his professional debut at the age of nine with the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra. Ma studied at the Juilliard School and Columbia University, and later became a professor at the Harvard University Music Department.
Ma is a recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Grammy Award, the National Medal of Arts, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Kennedy Center Honor. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Royal Swedish Academy of Music.
Ma is known for his innovative approach to music, and for his commitment to social and cultural causes. He is the founder of the Silk Road Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural understanding and collaboration among different cultures.
Ma is also an active advocate for music education, and has established several programs to support music education for young people. He is the Artistic Director of the Yo-Yo Ma Foundation for Cellists, which provides scholarships and support to young cellists.
Yo-Yo Ma is one of the most influential and respected musicians of our time. His artistry, his passion for music, and his commitment to social and cultural causes have made him an inspiration to millions of people around the world.