In addition to recordings of the standard classical repertoire, Ma has recorded a wide variety of folk music, such as American bluegrass music, traditional Chinese melodies, the tangos of Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla, and Brazilian music. He has also collaborated with artists from a diverse range of genres, including Bobby McFerrin, Carlos Santana, Chris Botti, Diana Krall, James Taylor, Miley Cyrus, and Sting.
Ma has been a United Nations Messenger of Peace since 2006. He has received numerous awards, including the Avery Fisher Prize in 1978, The Glenn Gould Prize in 1999, the National Medal of Arts in 2001, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, Kennedy Center Honors in 2011, the Polar Music Prize in 2012, and the Birgit Nilsson Prize in 2022. He was named as one of Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2020. Aside from English, Ma is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and French.
Ma's primary performance instrument is the Davidov cello, made in 1712 by Antonio Stradivari
Ma's mother, Marina Lu, was a singer, and his father, Hiao-Tsiun Ma, was a violinist, composer and professor of music at Nanjing National Central University (now relocated in Taoyuan, Taiwan; predecessor of the present-day Nanjing University and Southeast University). They both migrated from the Republic of China to France during the Chinese Civil War. Ma's sister, Yeou-Cheng Ma, played the violin and piano professionally before obtaining a medical degree from Harvard and becoming a pediatrician. The family moved to New York City when Ma was seven.
From the age of three, Ma played the drums, violin, piano, and later viola, but settled on the cello in 1960 at age four. When three-year-old Yo-Yo said he wanted a big instrument, his father went to see Etienne Vatelot, a foremost violin maker in Paris who, after a chat, lent him a 1/16th cello. He jokes that his first choice was the double bass due to its large size, but he compromised and took up the cello instead. When his father realized that Yo-Yo was ready for a better teacher, a well-known cello instructor, Mme Michelle Lepinte, was selected. He began performing before audiences at age five and played for presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy when he was seven. At age eight, he appeared on American television with his sister in an event introduced by Leonard Bernstein. In 1964, Isaac Stern introduced them on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and they performed the Sonata of Sammartini. He attended Trinity School in New York but transferred to the Professional Children's School, where he graduated at age 15. He appeared as a soloist with the Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra in a performance of Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations.
Ma studied at the Juilliard School at age 19 with Leonard Rose and attended Columbia University, but dropped out. He later enrolled at Harvard College. Prior to entering Harvard, Ma played in the Marlboro Festival Orchestra under the direction of cellist, conductor and Ma’s childhood hero Pablo Casals. He spent four summers at the Marlboro Music Festival after meeting and falling in love with Mount Holyoke College sophomore and festival administrator Jill Hornor during his first summer there in 1972.
Even before that time, Ma gained fame and performed with many of the world's major orchestras. He has also played chamber music, often with pianist Emanuel Ax, with whom he has a close friendship from their days at Juilliard. Ma received his bachelor's degree in anthropology from Harvard in 1976, and in 1991 received an honorary doctorate from Harvard.
Yo-Yo Ma has been referred to by critics as "omnivorous" and possesses an eclectic repertoire. In addition to numerous recordings of the standard classical repertoire, he has recorded Baroque pieces using period instruments; American bluegrass music; traditional Chinese melodies, including the soundtrack to the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; the tangos of Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla; Brazilian music, recording traditional and contemporary songs composed by Antônio Carlos Jobim and Pixinguinha; a collaboration with Bobby McFerrin (where Ma admitted to being terrified by McFerrin's improvisation); and the music of modern minimalist Philip Glass, in such works as the 2002 Naqoyqatsi.
Ma is known for his smooth, rich tone, soulful lyricism, and virtuosity. He released a cello recording of Niccolò Paganini's Caprice No. 24 for solo violin and Zoltán Kodály's Solo Sonata.
On May 1, 2019, he performed at Paranal Observatory in the Atacama desert. He said that his interest in astronomy motivated him to visit and perform there.
Ma's albums include recordings of cello concertos, sonatas for cello and piano, works for solo cello, and a variety of chamber music. He has also recorded in non-classical styles, notably in collaboration with artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Carlos Santana, Chris Botti, Chris Thile, Diana Krall, James Taylor, Miley Cyrus and Sting.
Grace
Yo-Yo Ma Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Love me two times
For the doors
Keys
Didn’t have to kick in to
Still made into living room
Toast to who I’m drinking to
Modern day sneaking foodNiggas didn’t listen to
One of one appraisals
Say amazing graces
Now pay it forward
Pay for it
Way less then it cost
In the store
Said you want more. Say less
Underrated estimation
Like ya boy
Judge mentation
Leg is shaking
You using tracing paper
I’m at the arbor tracing
See the figures
In the the outer spacing
Figure how the outer spacing
Fits so gracious
Make you say amazing graces
To your mother patience
Under investigation
Reservation on generation
Wealth generated
Off these reps and rations
Jjordan (Joe grizzly)
Can I get a plate or reparationsFor misrepresentation
Bread and water for the belly achin
Melancholy, need some meditation
More than the medication we keep away from
Exclaimed "I'm way up", like three quarters full
In my cup, no carbonation
And not from concentrate. No, clean spring water is not so commonplace in this
Yellow 5 nation
With radio beaming like Star Killer base
So I'm holding up a sign that says
"Occupy Space"
You holding up the line and we beyond irate
And we be on the beyond, but
You gotta fly straight
I don't mind minding my own, my mind race
And mind over matter, methodic my mindstate
Cross state lines, put miles behind weight
Cuz I waited long enough and
I won't apply brakes
Shotyme (Joe Grizzly)
You think you billy but you really kids
And Down here we all float bitch I’m really it
And If you could smell the smoke come and grab a hit
Now everywhere we go they like that’s really grizz
They Say Grace’s, all praises, amen
These blessings bread hatred on faces of men
Been Wildin Ben Franklin’s been changing Ben 10
Man I Been here for years but still so Alien
Gonzales told y'all niggas I been thriving
Seeking asylum my track record has been violent
I've smacked niggas that been bigger than britches bro
Your reputation way bigger than it’s been before
You got the glow so that’s why you burning them bridges fo’
Yall stationary still pumping like the cit and go
Pick and roll... give and go... when I run the flo
Yo daddy doe sonning niggas you call me uncle sho
The lyrics to Yo-Yo Ma & Bobby McFerrin's song Grace are fluid and improvised with snippets of rap lyrics interspersed throughout. The tone of the lyrics suggests that the singer is reflecting on their life experiences - both good and bad - and expressing gratitude for the blessings they've received.
The first stanza expresses thanks for those who have helped the singer to achieve success without needing to resort to violence or breaking and entering. The second stanza shifts focus to the importance of paying it forward: contributing to a community or society by investing in the next generation.
As the lyrics progress, the singer seems to toy with the idea of meditation as a means of elevating oneself above the distractions of the world. However, the final stanza brings the focus back to the present and the struggles that people still face. The singer seems to highlight the discrepancy between those who have achieved success and those who are still struggling to survive, drawing a sharp contrast between the two.
Overall, the lyrics to Grace seem to convey the idea that success is not merely an individual accomplishment - it is something that requires communal support, investment, and recognition of the struggles and triumphs of others.
Line by Line Meaning
One time for who I'm kickin in to
I show appreciation to those who have supported me in my journey.
Love me two times
Love me with the same passion and intensity twice over.
For the doors
In respect for the band, The Doors.
Keys
A poetic reference to the keys on a piano or the keys to a car.
Didn't have to kick in to
I didn't have to break in or force entry to gain access.
Still made into living room
Despite the obstacles, I found my way into the living room and space where I belong.
Toast to who I'm drinking to
I raise my glass to those who have impacted my life in a positive way.
Modern day sneaking food
A playful reference to hiding food to secretly indulge in it.
Niggas didn't listen to
Those who did not heed my words or pay attention to my actions.
One of one appraisals
A unique and highly valued assessment of me and my work.
Say amazing graces
Expressing gratitude and appreciation for the good things in life.
Now pay it forward
In return, be kind and generous to others.
Pay for it
Give back to the world by working hard and contributing in a meaningful way.
Way less then it cost
My efforts and contributions have a value that cannot be measured solely in financial terms.
In the store
The place where goods are sold and exchanged.
Said you want more. Say less
Be grateful for what you have and do not be greedy or envious of what others possess.
Underrated estimation
My worth or value is not fully appreciated or recognized.
Like ya boy
A casual reference to myself or someone I admire.
Judge mentation
The thoughts and actions of those who evaluate or criticize me.
Leg is shaking
A physical manifestation of nervousness or anxiety.
You using tracing paper
Copying or imitating my work or ideas without adding anything original yourself.
I'm at the arbor tracing
I'm in a peaceful setting, drawing inspiration and creating something new.
See the figures
Understand the patterns and numbers that make up the world around us.
In the outer spacing
Beyond the earth's atmosphere, where the stars and planets are located.
Figure how the outer spacing
Fits so gracious
Make you say amazing graces
Marveling at the beauty and vastness of the universe, and feeling grateful for the opportunities and blessings in our lives.
To your mother patience
An expression of appreciation for a mother's love, nurturing and care.
Under investigation
Subject to scrutiny or questioning in a serious or official manner.
Reservation on generation
Concerns and questions about the future and the legacy we will leave behind for the next generation.
Wealth generated
The accumulation of wealth or resources based on hard work and wise investments.
Off these reps and rations
Achieving success and security through repetition, hard work and careful management of resources.
Jjordan (Joe grizzly)
Can I get a plate or reparations
A plea for justice and fairness, often on behalf of those who have been marginalized or oppressed.
For misrepresentation
The act of being misrepresented, or not accurately represented or portrayed.
Bread and water for the belly achin
Providing basic sustenance and nourishment, often to those who are struggling or in need.
Melancholy, need some meditation
In need of contemplation or quiet reflection, often during difficult or challenging times.
More than the medication we keep away from
Finding solace or healing in something other than traditional medicine or treatments.
Exclaimed 'I'm way up', like three quarters full
Celebrating success and achievement, though recognizing there is still room for growth and improvement.
In my cup, no carbonation
Referring to a drink with no fizz or bubble, symbolizing a more grounded or sober approach to life.
And not from concentrate. No, clean spring water is not so commonplace in this
Yellow 5 nation
Acknowledging the prevalence of processed or artificial food products, while emphasizing the value of natural, wholesome ingredients.
With radio beaming like Star Killer base
A comparison to the powerful, destructive weapon in the Star Wars universe, representing the persuasive and influential power of the media.
So I'm holding up a sign that says
'Occupy Space'
Championing the importance of individuality and unique perspectives, resisting conformity and homogeneity.
You holding up the line and we beyond irate
And we be on the beyond, but
You gotta fly straight
Urging others to move forward and make progress, rather than getting bogged down in petty conflicts or distractions.
I don't mind minding my own, my mind race
And mind over matter, methodic my mindstate
Focusing on my own goals and priorities, while retaining a sharp, agile and disciplined mental approach.
Cross state lines, put miles behind weight
Cuz I waited long enough and
I won't apply brakes
Willing to take risks and venture into new territory, rather than sticking to the safety of familiar surroundings.
Shotyme (Joe Grizzly)
You think you billy but you really kids
And Down here we all float bitch I'm really it
Calling out those who claim to be tough or powerful, but are actually inexperienced or weak.
And If you could smell the smoke come and grab a hit
Now everywhere we go they like that's really grizz
Demonstrating my unique style and approach, which is admired and respected.
They Say Grace's, all praises, amen
These blessings bread hatred on faces of men
Recognizing the positive aspects of life, but also acknowledging the negative and divisive forces that can exist in the world.
Been Wildin Ben Franklin's been changing Ben 10
Man I Been here for years but still so Alien
Leaving a lasting impact and influence, while also feeling like an outsider or someone who does not quite fit in.
Gonzales told y'all niggas I been thriving
Seeking asylum my track record has been violent
I've smacked niggas that been bigger than britches bro
Asserting my ability to overcome adversity and succeed in challenging circumstances, sometimes through confrontation or force.
Your reputation way bigger than it's been before
You got the glow so that's why you burning them bridges fo'
Yall stationary still pumping like the cit and go
Highlighting the danger of overconfidence or arrogance, and the need to maintain humility and relationships with others.
Pick and roll... give and go... when I run the flo
Yo daddy doe sonning niggas you call me uncle sho
Succeeding through collaboration and teamwork, and using one's skills and abilities to mentor or guide others.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Derek Craig, J. Jordan, Joseph Murchinson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@carlrosenzweig1867
Years ago, when I was around 12, my parents were at a party and chatting with another couple they hadn't met before. The conversation turned to children, and my mother was doing a little bit of proud bragging about my being a good celloist. Turns out they were talking to Mr. Ma's parents. lol
@PaulMab9
ooof
@thend4427
Awesome
@juliaolivia398
OUCH! 🤐
@yrot1123
can you play twinkle twinkle little star?..LOL
@laurafedora5385
Lol that’s amazing!
@maryanne2772
I will be forever grateful for my high school boyfriend, Eric. He was a cellist, and he introduced me to the music of Yo-Yo Ma. After high school, another friend and I went to a dress rehearsal at Abravenal Hall in Salt Lake City, and I got to meet Yo-Yo before he performed with the Utah Symphony. The picture I took did not turn out well, but I treasure it — always — based on the memory of meeting the most personable and skilled cellist this world might ever know.
@claudia1423
Lucky you ❤️🇨🇦!
@edgarglz8523
Nice
@David-uf9hh
thank you for sharing this memory