Why do you have such an idea? Why did you name such a project the Silk Road? Yo-Yo Ma's idea is very romantic. In his view, the Silk Road is the "ancient Internet", representing the exchange and integration of Chinese and Western cultures. He wants to integrate all this into music. He said that he has always had a sense of mission. Just as scientists use their wisdom to create happiness for human beings, he wants to use music to promote cultural integration and mutual understanding among human beings.
He said: "Music is the expression of human nature. If you hear humanity in my music, you will see my heart and my contribution to the world. " Yo-Yo Ma was born in romantic and casual France, and grew up in cheerful and optimistic America. He has profound China characteristics and is a standard "cosmopolitan". He recalled that China culture influenced him from his parents. He was born in France and has been strictly educated by his father. In order to urge my brothers and sisters to learn Chinese, my father stipulated that if they could not name the dish in Chinese, they would not be allowed to eat it. When he was a child, he had to write letters and communicate with his family in Chinese. Father also urged his younger brothers and sisters to study China and French history. Later, when he came to new york, Yo-Yo Ma was more influenced by multiculturalism, which was the motivation and foundation for his free music creation under the influence of multiculturalism.
Brief introduction of the Silk Road Project;
Silk Road Project is a non-profit art, culture and education institution established in 1988. Its inspiration comes from the blending of various cultures and ideas on the ancient Silk Road. This ancient commercial road is like a network connecting various nationalities and traditions in Eurasia from the first millennium BC to the middle of the second millennium AD. Its founder and artistic director are cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and Laura Fred is the executive director and CEO. The goal of this project is to bring artists and audiences from all over the world together and narrow the distance between regions. Inspired by the cultural tradition of the Silk Road in history, the Silk Road plans to promote innovation and learning through artistic expression. The core of the Silk Road project is the Silk Road Ensemble, which brings together many musicians, composers and arrangers who are interested in exploring the relationship between eastern and western music traditions and innovations. While continuing to maintain the integrity of traditional culture and art, the Silk Road Ensemble has also established global contacts, devoted itself to achieving outstanding artistic achievements and regularly releasing new works. The band has performed all over Europe, Asia and North America, and the box office is full, with thousands of audiences. The Silk Road Ensemble also cooperates with other organizations to showcase the musical, visual and narrative traditions of the Silk Road. They attract audiences and various groups from the United States and around the world through performances, educational programs and some places in universities, colleges, museums and schools.
Exploring the theme of cultural relevance is the basic task of our educational project. The Silk Road Project has established contacts with Harvard University and Rhode Island School of Design, and members of the orchestra cooperate as resident artists, students and teachers.