Newly vaccinated people in a U.S. vaccination clinic were given a mini concert over the weekend when the well-known cellist Yo-Yo Ma brought out his tool after his second shot of the coronavirus.
A masqueraded-up Ma took a seat at Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield along the walls of the observation area using the compulsory 15-minute post-vaccine observation period for the clinician.
He received a round of applause from the other participants.
The world-renowned musician, who lives part-time in the area, said that, according to the local paper, The Berkshire Eagle, he “would like to give something back.”
Just one year after Ma began publishing his recordings using the hashtag # SongsOfComfort on social media in order to alleviate anxieties during the early days of the pandemic, the quick concert came.
“I wanted to find a way to continue sharing music that gives me comfort,” wrote the cellist on Twitter on 13 March 2020.
Since then, Ma has also played surprise pop-up concerts and streamed live virtual concerts for essential workers.
Late last year, he joined the pianist Kathryn Stott to produce an album, Songs of Comfort and Hope, that includes Ol ‘Man River’s version of the Black Lives Matter Movement and Waltzing Matilda’s version.
“All these songs have a specific significance for people at various locations,” said Ma.
“We hope this is… a way to reach out to the hearts and memories of people and… to go deep within, then take us out again.”
I started to learn cello at the age of just four before studying at Juilliard School in New York City.
He played for nine US presidents throughout his career and at the inauguration of US President Joe Biden in January.
Ma was also featured in Arthur’s beloved children’s show, first in 1999, before returning for two more episodes in later seasons.
