A story about Yo-Yo Ma
I love cello music and I think Yo-Yo Ma is the most gifted cellist around, and I still haven’t seen him in concert, or do I own a CD by him yet….
But he is one musician I would love to meet.
Recent stories by and about Yo-Yo Ma
A story about Yo-Yo Ma
I’ve had a few run-ins with Mr. Ma…probably the most mermorable was when I went backstage after a concert o get a CD signed and waited in line for a while, and when I got over to him I dropped the CD and it flew across the hallway and he was like “oops”...another time I was sitting in the front row for a concert, and he gave me a very familiar “I know you” nod/look/smile. Maybe I’m crazy. Perhaps I will cross paths with him again (since I am a cellist!)
A story about Yo-Yo Ma
I took my parents to a Yo-Yo Ma concert. It was breathtaking. Afterwards, my then-girlfriend, now-fiance took me backstage to meet him. You’d think a man with his fame would be a bit put off at meeting strangers, but he’s one of the most laid back normal people you’ll ever meet. It just makes his art that much easier to appreciate.
The last time I saw Yo-Yo Ma
no joke.. at the Starbucks on Mass Ave in Cambridge. He’s in there all the time!!
How I met Yo-Yo Ma
I met him after a concert a few years ago. He played Suite No. 1 in G Major, my favorite. It was so beautiful I wept. As my then boyfriend and I left the concert hall we saw a line of people outside the stage door so I said, “Let’s try to meet him.” Well, we did.
Once we got into the space, I was able to watch him with each person ahead of me. I was so touched by how genuine, attentive and present he was. After saying goodbye to one person, he would take a moment to collect himself before inviting the next person forward. My sense was that it was important to him to be able to give each and every person his full attention.
I just wanted to tell him how much I enjoyed the performance. My boyfriend then told him it was my b-day. He gave me a hug, offered me b-day wishes, and offered to autograph my program. The crush I already had grew tenfold!
(I also love that he explores different musical genres and collaborates w/ artists in so many mediums).
Why I admire Yo-Yo Ma
a) he’s a rock star on the cello.
b) he has appeared on Sesame Street.
c) he continues to explore different musical traditions, never stops learning new things.
Why I admire Yo-Yo Ma
I saw Yo-Yo Ma teach a master class at the The Juilliard School a few (well 10-15) years ago. He was amazing – the most warm, encouraging, and funny person that I’ve ever seen.
