Yo Yo Ma

This 15 time Grammy winner is often referred to as one of the few genuine superstars of classical music. With a gold and platinum records he is the best selling classical music artist of today.

He was born with music in his blood. Cellist Yo Yo Ma is the song of a Hong Kong singing mother and a father who is a teacher, conductor, and composer. Although he was born in Paris, France Ma is Chinese.

His musical career began at the age of four. He performed his first recital in public at the age of five. For 50 years Yo Yo Ma has been entertaining audiences. He prides himself on never repeating a performance - hos own or someone else's.

When Ma was seven his family moved to New York City so that Ma could study. Besides private tutors Ma also attended the Julliard School of Music as a junior student. Later Ma received a BA from Harvard University.

Ma's first television appearance was on the American Pageant of the Arts when he was eight years old.

Ma was an international sensation while he was still in his teens. In 1978 he won the Avery Fisher Prize.

Over the years Ma has performed with many of the world's greatest composers and orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra where he performed before Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Ma does not limit himself to only classical music. He has appeared on numerous albums in a variety of musical genres.

Ma is also dedicated to music education. Whenever possible he will hold Master classes in towns where he is scheduled to perform.

In order to interest young children in the world of classical music, Yo Yo Ma has appeared on the PBS television network programs "Arthur", "Mister Roger's Neighbourhood", and "Sesame Street".

Onstage Ma is known for his easy going and friendly personality. In his performances he strives to stimulate the imagination. Off stage he is a husband and the father of two.

Ma plays two cellos. One is a 1733 Montagnana and the other is a 1712 Davidoff Strataverus.