An Evening with Yo-Yo Ma on Apr 5, 2025 | UCSB Arts & Lectures

“That Ma has used his gifts in the service of spreading humanistic values – via cross-cultural musical collaboration, civic engagement and huge amounts of heart – means that his connection with the public goes far deeper than mere admiration.” The New York Times

Join cellist Yo-Yo Ma for an evening of music and words. In this one-night-only performance, Yo-Yo performs a special selection of his favorite pieces and shares stories about a life dedicated to music. Yo-Yo Ma’s multi-faceted career is testament to his belief in culture’s power to generate trust and understanding. He strives to foster connections that stimulate the imagination and reinforce our humanity. This exceptional program will pair repertoire from the center of Yo-Yo’s musical firmament with reflections on how it has shaped his thinking about art, human nature and our search for meaning. Together, the cellist’s music and words ask us to consider what music is for, and how it can guide us on a path towards hope.