Yo-Yo Ma

The many-faceted career of cellist Yo-Yo Ma testifies to his continual search for new ways to communicate with audiences, and to his personal desire for artistic growth and renewal. In addition to his performance schedule his calendar includes activities, meetings and performances with people and organizations that continue to inspire. Mr. Ma maintains a balance between his engagements as soloist with orchestras worldwide and his recital and chamber-music activities. His discography includes over 100 albums, including 19 Grammy-award winners. He is the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Judson and Joyce Green Creative Consultant, artistic advisor to the Kennedy Center, artistic director of Silkroad, and a United Nations Messenger of Peace. In 2001, he received the National Medal of Arts; in 2010, the Presidential Medal of Freedom; and in 2011, he was a Kennedy Center Honoree.