Born in Paris in 1955, Yo-Yo Ma is widely considered the greatest cellist alive, known for his extraordinary technical ability and interpretive power. Taking up his instrument at four years old, he was soon studying with renowned teachers in the U.S. He has since won 15 Grammy Awards and recorded more than 75 albums, exploring Western classical music as well as other traditions. He has also founded the Silk Road Project, a nonprofit arts organization that promotes music, culture, and learning. Updated 2007
Yo-Yo Ma
Cellist
Born in: France
More 2006 Great Immigrants
Elaine ChaoFormer U.S. Secretary of Labor
Isaac AsimovAuthor
Madeleine AlbrightU.S. Secretary of State (1997–2001)
James WolfensohnFormer president, World Bank
Get the Carnegie Reporter and our best articles delivered to your inbox.