Emily Carter: Hello, Mr. Ma! Thank you so much for joining us today. Could you start by telling us how you first got into playing the cello?
Yo-Yo Ma: Hi Emily! It’s a pleasure to be here. I started playing the cello when I was just four years old. My parents were both musicians – my mother was a singer and my father was a violinist and a music professor. When I was three, I told my father I wanted to play a big instrument, so he got me a tiny cello. I loved it right away, even though it was almost as big as I was!
Emily Carter: That’s such a fun story! What do you think is special about playing the cello?
Yo-Yo Ma: The cello is a wonderful instrument because it has a range that is very similar to the human voice. It can produce deep, rich sounds as well as high, singing tones. Playing it feels very natural, like singing with your hands. I also love how versatile it is – I’ve played classical pieces, folk music, and even collaborated with artists from different genres like Sting and James Taylor.
Emily Carter: Wow, that sounds amazing! How did you feel when you first decided to join a symphony orchestra?
Yo-Yo Ma: Joining a symphony orchestra was an incredible experience. I’ve played with many orchestras around the world, and each one is like a big family. The feeling of being part of a group of talented musicians all working together to create something beautiful is indescribable. It's a mix of excitement and responsibility because you want to contribute your best to the collective sound.
Emily Carter: You've had such an impressive career, Mr. Ma. Could you share one of your most memorable experiences?
Yo-Yo Ma: One of my most memorable experiences was playing at the inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2009. It was a freezing day, and we had to pre-record the piece to avoid any issues with the cold weather affecting our instruments. Despite the cold, it was an honor to be part of such a historic event.
Emily Carter: That sounds incredible! Do you have any advice for young students who want to learn the cello?
Yo-Yo Ma: My advice would be to practice regularly and to listen to a lot of different kinds of music. Find joy in playing and keep exploring new pieces and styles. Remember that music is a way to express yourself and connect with others. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the journey!
Emily Carter: Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, Mr. Ma. It was a pleasure talking to you!
Yo-Yo Ma: Thank you, Emily! It was great to chat with you and share my love for the cello.
