Deep Dive
Why did Yo-Yo Ma name his cello 'Petunia'?
A high school student named Brittany suggested the name after Yo-Yo Ma played a piece of music for her in Salt Lake City about 25 years ago.
How many times has Yo-Yo Ma recorded the Bach solo cello suites?
Yo-Yo Ma has recorded the Bach solo cello suites three times, in 1983, 1997, and 2018.
What was Yo-Yo Ma's experience as a child prodigy?
Yo-Yo Ma performed for President Kennedy and former President Eisenhower at age seven, introduced by Leonard Bernstein. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Obama in 2011.
What is Yo-Yo Ma's approach to dealing with burnout and maintaining creativity?
Yo-Yo Ma tries to forgive himself and avoid the pursuit of industrial perfection, focusing on doing his best in the moment rather than aiming for flawlessness.
What significant events has Yo-Yo Ma performed at?
Yo-Yo Ma performed at the first anniversary of 9/11 at Ground Zero, the Boston Marathon bombing anniversary, the end of World War I commemoration in France, and the memorial for World Central Kitchen aid workers killed in Gaza.
How does Yo-Yo Ma describe his multiple cultural influences?
Yo-Yo Ma straddles three cultures: American, French, and Chinese. He was born in Paris, his parents are Chinese, and he moved to America, leading to a complex cultural identity.
What was Yo-Yo Ma's rebellious phase during his youth?
Yo-Yo Ma cut classes, sneaked out to get alcohol during Juilliard breaks, and ended up in the emergency room once, leading his father to give up drinking due to guilt and shame.
What is the significance of the pieces Yo-Yo Ma likes to play for himself?
Yo-Yo Ma often plays 'Tis a Gift to be Simple,' 'Amazing Grace,' and 'Going Home' from Dvorak's New World Symphony, which he finds consoling and connecting to something larger than himself.
How did Yo-Yo Ma's understanding of Schubert's music evolve?
As a 10-year-old, Yo-Yo Ma was mesmerized by Schubert's ability to blend happiness with sadness, which he later found reflected his own experiences as an immigrant.
What advice did Dvorak give to his American students?
Dvorak advised his students to listen to the music of immigrants, African Americans, and Native Americans to find the soul of America, influencing composers like George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, and Duke Ellington.
- Yo-Yo Ma's cello is named Petunia.
- He has recorded Bach's Cello Suites three times.
- The name Petunia was given by a high school student.
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