About Yo-Yo Ma

Yo-Yo Ma was born in Paris, France, and his birthday was October 7, 1955. He is a cellist and songwriter. Yo-Yo Ma's family includes his father, mother, and an older sister. His father's name is Ma Xiaojun, and his father's job is a composer and music teacher. His mother's name is Marina Lu and she is a singer.

Yo-Yo Ma's family immigrated to New York from Paris. He was seven years old. His father taught Ma Yo-yo's sister violin and piano. Yo-Yo Ma learned the cello when he was four years old. He studied at Juilliard University and he did cello research. Then he enrolled at Harvard University. He studied anthropology and German literature in university. In 1977 he graduated with a degree in humanities.

Although his sister and parents gave him a lot of pressure, he was grateful. He said that his achievements were due to his father's strict teaching. He has many awards, such as Avery Fisher Award (1978), Glenn Gould Award (1999), National Art Award (2001), Dan David Award (2006), World Economic Forum Crystal Award (2008), Presidential Medal of Freedom (2010), Kennedy Center Honor Award (2011), Polar Music Award (2012) and J. Paul Getty Medal (2016).

He also performed in nine presidential inauguration ceremonies. Yo-Yo Ma has 75 music albums and received 18 Grammy Awards. In 1998 he started the Silk Road project. He organized musicians to let people know traditional culture through music. Now he is married and has a family. His wife is Jill Hornor and they have two children.

Musical works and performance works

On November 29, 1962, Yo-Yo Ma performed at the American event for President Kennedy. He is seven years old, he plays the cello and his sister plays the piano. He performed music from 150 years ago.