Ma, Yo-Yo (1955– )

French-born US cellist. He is noted for the warmth of his playing, a superlative technique, and the youthful exuberance of his stage presence. His repertoire embraces a variety of genres, from the unaccompanied cello suites of Johann Sebastian Bach to US bluegrass music. He is considered the leading cellist of his generation and has released more than 50 albums.

Ma was born in Paris, France. He moved to New York City with his family at age seven, where he enrolled at Juilliard at age nine. After studies at Harvard University, he ascended rapidly to the highest rank of international soloists. He has received numerous Grammy Awards and in 2006 was appointed as a United Nations peace messenger. His Silk Road Ensemble, established in 1998, is a collective that brings together musicians from countries in Europe and Asia that were linked historically by the Silk Road.