Yo-Yo Ma Talks Crisis, Collaboration, and Comfort

The world-renowned cellist discusses how art can reach and rebuild

By Google Arts & Culture

Culture for Comfort Cover

Yo-Yo Ma is known worldwide as a pioneering cellist and a cultural ambassador. His music and his musings range through genres, cross over borders, transcend the art/science divide, and aim to bring the peoples of the earth together. 

In March of 2020, with the world gripped by unrest and a developing health crisis, Yo-Yo Ma recorded and posted to social media the first of his "Songs of Comfort", a solo performance of "Going Home", adapted from the 'Largo' of Antonin Dvořák's Symphony No. 9.

The #SongsofComfort project quickly spread around the world, bringing collaboration, culture, and, of course, comfort to people during anxious times. Here, Yo-Yo Ma himself answers questions about the project, and shares his vision for rebuilding the future.

Hello, Yo-Yo! Could you tell us first how the #SongsofComfort project came about?

Yo-Yo Ma Answer (1)

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Why did you choose the Dvořák melody as your first Song of Comfort?

Yo-Yo Ma Answer (2)

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How important is creativity and culture in a time of crisis?

Yo-Yo Ma Answer (3)

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How important is it for culture to operate collaboratively with other sections of society?

Yo-Yo Ma Answer (5)

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How can arts and culture help human beings to develop and grow individually and collectively?

Yo-Yo Ma Answer (6)

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What role can arts and culture play in the rebuilding of society after a period of crisis?

Yo-Yo Ma Answer (7)

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Discover more about the Culture of Comfort.

Credits: All media
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