Yo-Yo Ma is a renowned cellist, born in Paris in 1955 to Chinese parents. Recognized as a child prodigy, he began studying the cello at age four and later moved to the United States, continuing his education at the Juilliard School and Harvard University. Known for his versatility, he has performed worldwide as a soloist, recorded over 92 albums, and won 19 Grammy Awards. His repertoire spans classical masterpieces, folk music, Chinese melodies, Argentine tango, Brazilian music, and collaborative projects across genres with artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Carlos Santana, Diana Krall, and Sting. An advocate for peace, he has served as a United Nations Messenger of Peace since 2006 and received numerous honors, including the National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He primarily plays a 1712 Stradivarius cello known as the Davidov.