Yo-Yo Ma

Guide Note

Grammy Award-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma gave his first solo recital at the age of 5. His Carnegie Hall debut came at 9, and by 15, he had been heard by conductor Leonard Bernstein. Ma's career hasn't slowed down since.

Ma has recorded 75 albums, won 14 Grammy Awards and played hundreds of concerts as a soloist, soloist with orchestra and as part of a chamber group. Because the cello repertoire is limited, Ma has commissioned many new works throughout his career, experimented with a broad range of musical styles and contributed to film soundtracks including the Academy Award-winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon score.

In 2001, he founded the Silk Road Project, a touring group and ethnomusicology project dedicated to exploring the cultural traditions of the ancient Silk Road trading routes.

Ma is considered one of the classical music world's preeminent educators, always seeking out new ways to connect with audiences. He has made numerous appearances in film and on television, popping up in everything from PBS children's programs to primetime shows like The West Wing.

Ma plays two instruments: a Davidoff Stradivarius made in 1712 and a Montagnana made in 1733.

Fast Facts

1. Born: October 7, 1955
2. Birthplace: Paris, France
3. Years Active: 1961 - Present
4. Studied music at the Juilliard School of Music with Leonard Rose
5. Attended Columbia University and Harvard University
6. Plays the prelude to Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 in the "Noel" episode of The West Wing's second season