Imagine first publicly performing a musical instrument at the young age of five.
Then, try to imagine being compared to some of the greatest musicians of all time by age 19.
This was the storyline of Yo-Yo Ma’s first years as a musician.
The world-renowned cellist will perform at 8 p.m. on January 18, 2000. At 7:30 p.m., there will be a pre-concert commentary by Christopher Purdy, executive producer of the WOSU Classics Network.
Yo-Yo Ma will be performing for the fourth time of his career at Denison as a part of the twentieth anniversary of the Vail Series.
Yo-Yo Ma was born in Paris, France, in 1955. At the age of four, he began his cello lessons under the instruction of Janos Scholz.
In 1962, Yo-Yo Ma began to study under Leonard Rose at The Julliard School. However, Yo-Yo Ma attended Harvard University and was awarded an honorary doctorate by the university in 1991.
Throughout his illustrious musical career, Yo-Yo Ma has been most highly regarded for his performing ensemble playing.
In addition, Yo-Yo Ma has performed with many other of the world’s most noted musicians, including Issac Stem and Jaime Laredo.
His collaborations have resulted in numerous recordings, which have included the works of such great composers as Beethoven, Mozart, Schumann, and Brahms.
Alongside his impressive discography of recordings with other artists, Yo-Yo Ma has created quite an impressive collection of solo albums.
Recently, Yo-Yo Ma helped to complete a series of films that investigate the relationship between the music of Bach and other artistic disciplines. The first of these films premiered at the Edinburgh Festival in August 1995.
In 1997, Yo-Yo Ma performed a piece by contemporary composer Tan Dun entitled “Earth, Mankind: Symphony 1997.” The piece was performed to celebrate the return of Hong Kong to Chinese rule.
However, the piece was not only performed as a part of the celebration as Yo-Yo Ma has performed the piece around the world.
On his solo albums, Yo-Yo Ma has included both classical compositions as well more contemporary pieces, which both adequately prove his playing ability.
As well as performing and recording, Yo-Yo Ma has devoted much time to helping young adults in music programs. Yo-Yo Ma partakes in master classes as well as many other formal and informal sessions.
Yo-Yo Ma and his wife Jill are the proud parents of two children, Nicholas and Emily.
Tickets are free to students and available through Slayter Desk. For non-Denison students and faculty, tickets a limited number of tickets are available for $15. For more information, call the Vail Series Hotline at (740) 587-6557.