Yo-Yo Ma Biography

Fast Facts

• Has served as a United Nations Messenger of Peace
• Established the nonprofit organization Silkroad in 1998 to help support music, cultural and education programs
• Was awarded the Avery Fisher Prize in 1978
• Graduated from Harvard University in 1976
• Started training as a musician at the age of four
• Quote: "All the things I love about life outside music have to do with people, and playing the cello allows me to fulfill all those interests through music․"
• Quote: "As musicians, we transcend technique in order to seek out the truths in our world in a way that gives meaning and sustenance to individuals and communities․ That’s art for life’s sake․"
• World renowned cellist who has served as a consultant and advisor for many orchestras
• Performed all six Bach cello solo suites back to back before a crowd of 17,000 in 2017
• Performed at the inauguration of President Barack Obama