7-Year-Old Cellist Prodigy Yo-Yo Ma's Debut Performance for President JFK | The Kennedy Center

[@SunnyGirlFlorida]

I appreciate that he gave the same amount of respect to Yo-Yo Ma's sister.

[@nahor88]

Well... at this point people had no idea Yo-Yo was going to become one of the world's greatest cellists, if not THE greatest.

[@michellecerioni4903]

@@nahor88 i mean i literally did but ok

[@opticalreticle]

@@michellecerioni4903 yeah I predicted it too before I was born

[@pineapple7024]

@@nahor88 I mean, he’s 7 and playing for JFK. I think people had some idea of how he was going to turn out

[@MaQuGo119]

he has a sister?

[@treeflamingo]

I can’t get over how adorable that tiny cello is

[@loisholdridge1766]

Not to mention the adorable tiny cellist!

[@user43314]

@@loisholdridge1766 oh, not sure what's better!

[@davidzhu777]

Sounds like viola

[@xiaoyuan2889]

@@loisholdridge1766 yeah 🤣

[@xiaoyuan2889]

Hahahahahaha lollmfao

[@juliee593]

Whoa I didn't know Yo Yo Ma had such a LONG career! Mindblowing to see him on TV in what seems like a completely different time.

[@jryecart8017]

see his work on SESAME STREET & MISTER ROGERS - - 2006 ?? ( his son plays on the MR ROGERS SHOW )

[@melissamoonchild9216]

me either! i was delighted to stumble on this

[@jryecart8017]

@@melissamoonchild9216 another good one on YT - - - World-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma performs 100 metres underground at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN

[@THINJIMI]

It was a completely different time. You are correct! Look at us now.

[@sneakertoes1]

It was a different time!!

[@janetpartyka5968]

His sister was outstanding! She was in "charge" and made sure her brother was ready to go with a sisterly look. She played the piano beautifully. Remember these are little kids playing for the president and his wife, other dignitaries and guests. This was an enormous challenge. Well done.

[@johnmayer6533]

Hello how are you doing it’s nice meeting you here

[@Heirloop]

@@johnmayer6533 you’re the fake yo-yo ma. I’ve seen your other comments. Stop trying to make people think you’re real

[@o.c.g.m9426]

No one cares who was "in charge". They both deserve equal credit for being outstanding 7 yr olds.

[@michaelpark5681]

Yo-Yo was 7. Of course the older sister was in charge. The important thing is, nobody knows the sister now.

[@tsangalvan6215]

Yo-yo was the real prodigy there

[@e.l.france5136]

How sweet to watch this after just watching him play at the reopening of Notre Dame and reading his beautiful, inspiring thoughts about performing at such an event. ❤️

[@bobbyrizzo3002]

He’s an outstanding person. I had the privilege on driving him and his wife to New York City… lovely and blessed family

[@cellogang4208]

still sounds amazing despite him being on a tiny cello AND recording with 1960s audio. What a legend.

[@MoahGentle]

while making it look easy to play

[@benderoo6433]

Not to mention HE WAS 7

[@naccienac]

Nonsense, this sounds terrible for 1960s audio

[@wowepic2256]

@@naccienac yeah studio recordings of the time had better fidelity

[@alwaysuseless]

The "tiny cello" is a viola.

[@ronm3245]

Yes, Eisenhower was there, too. It's nice to be reminded that an outgoing and an incoming president could exist together. Those were simpler times back then, when the only thing to worry about was the immediate, instantaneous, and total destruction of all humanity.

[@cianleonizoabad]

True.

[@zacharyregin9726]

You can say that again

[@xiaoyuan2889]

@@cianleonizoabad yep

[@nickromano7441]

Very true, back when being a proud American was the norm.

[@xiaoyuan2889]

@@nickromano7441 yeah...

[@maryluthy1282]

Lovely. Yo-Yo has been a gift for many years. I especially appreciate him raising our spirits during the pandemic!! Thank you Yo-Yo.

[@wwonka52]

He played recently , locally for a few minutes after he got vaccinated where I'd gotten mine 2 days prior. What a nice thing to do !

[@10fingersmusic23]

I agree, YoYo Ma is my favorite cellist. I really enjoyed his on-line concert during the pandemic and to see this. Just inspiring!

[@ruby11]

@@wwonka52 yes and I’ll never forget the kind woman who, not realizing who he was, dropped money into his cello case.

[@kevinn1158]

I met Yo Yo in Toronto while we were shooting a documentary on the TSO. He was such a sweet, and generous guy. Some students were there watching him play with the orchestra for a rehearsal and he asked who played cello after they finished and when a couple kids put their hands up, he asked them to come play his cello. I said to his assistant, isn't that cello worth a boatload of money? She said yah, but he loves seeing the kids light up. He knows the kids will treat it like gold.

[@sineadsavage7995]

Yo Yo Ma played on Twitter during the COVID epidemic. He was so wonderful and his interpretation of The Swan is my absolute favourite. Thank you Yo Yo ❤

[@mivical]

aww🥺

[@marekmccallum9983]

One of the most genuine humans I've encountered in my lifetime . . .

[@LNU19]

He's in an episode of mister rogers neighborhood. He's seems like such a nice person

[@sallyjune4109]

He was on Sesame Street also.

[@ethantong4271]

This guy has promise, he could be good someday!!

[@user-zi1du8mu3i]

i wouldnt bet on it

[@wordzmyth]

Haha yes we have 2020 hindsight

[@latinaintexas2872]

He is now 66 yrs old! LOL!!!

[@alex-hc3sk]

@JokoHolic he’s not.

[@AdrianDeVore]

He has since exceeded all expectations!

[@williamgregory1848]

You know, this Yo-Yo Ma kid. He’s got great potential. I hope he continues playing the cello.

[@MorganWasHere3]

Your kidding, right?

[@marciemaddox8179]

😉😄

[@zxh5566]

yeah he did😁

[@dr.stuartcantor9325]

I think he started w/the yo-yo, got bored & switched 2 cello

[@mariegeorge8865]

😂😂

[@UrLocalAsian07]

KZbin: 7yr old cellist... Me: Yeah yeah another talented young... KZbin: Yo-yo Ma... Me: *CLICKS AS FAST AS POSSIBLE*

[@tiredandbored909]

I can tell you I had the exact thought process

[@giveitupforbeabadoobee]

literally me lmaoo

[@marymactavish]

One of the reasons I like him so much is that he's just a good person. He's up there with the Betty Whites and Dolly Partons of the world.

[@no-rq7fp]

lmaoo americans are just so tacky truth is, he isn't even that great of a musician

[@hamburgerhan]

@@no-rq7fp yea sure, you can say that when you achieves what he has done someday.

[@RwandaBob]

the respect with which yo yo was given in this, at this time, inspires me. this time was not particularly tolerant. but the grace with which the presenter presents this boy to an american audience is incredible. kudos to him

[@charlesc5660]

Not your average presenter. If I'm not mistaken, that was Leonard Bernstein who made the introduction.

[@cluebin8398]

Seems like it was more tolerant than the dumpster fire we have today.

[@richardgarrett8087]

Correct. The Maestro himself!

[@rinakiyama8899]

I was actually prepared to hear Bach Cello Suite No.1.

[@electronickitten02]

same lmaooooo

[@aswomebro2601]

of course you did

[@rinakiyama8899]

yeah i was prepared to get disappointed

[@anharr4662]

Me too

[@16capcom]

In G major?

[@siuwahchan]

Both of these 2 precious youth were ready for the prime time!

[@michelle.f]

can we talk abt his sister as well?? both so young but so hecking (?) talented

[@riyascorner9198]

Pls have respect to God’s name thank you.

[@Ze0nite]

@@riyascorner9198 God is gay

[@rtablesaw]

@@riyascorner9198 bruh goddamn

[@tTRITUS]

@@Ze0nite ok and

[@idk9637]

@@tTRITUS mega gay!

[@craig2347]

This event was less than a month after the Cuban Missile Crisis. It's good to see the president promoting arts and culture .

[@venta004]

The great Leonard Bernstein presenting one of the great contemporary cellists of our time. This is such a gem. Thank you for uploading this video.

[@karenkavanagh9372]

I am so happy to have heard this. I play it continuously. Catchy tune. Sharing this with everyone and find myself humming this French song and reminiscing along all day long. Thank you for uploading this gem of his cello playing when he was 7 years old. He is a Blessings !

[@GoFastBeSafe]

Imagine having that tone on a 1960s recording setup and a 1/2 size cello.....what a gift, both of them.

[@arizwldcat]

Probably a 1/4 size. I teach 10 and 11 year olds and a couple of them still are small enough for 1/4 size. Most are juuuuust big enough for 1/2

[@jamesfeldman4234]

This Yo-Yo Ma kid shows great promise here. I predict great things ahead for him in the future.

[@FrankietheLawDog]

He might turn out okay.

[@annegreaves5219]

Hindsight is a wonderful thing!

[@tommyrawlings3046]

Yo yo ma's not only a great musician, He's a wonderful human being! A Very precious soul!

[@RobertSJHu]

Aloha to you Yo-Yo Ma and so glad to learn about you and your family when you were 7 years old. Its such a great honor and blessing to see this video when you performed for President John F. Kennedy !!!!! I'm 79 years old, born and raised in Hawaii, and I heard lots of your cellist music !!!! Take care and God bless you and your family . Gratefully, Robert S.J. Hu August 9, 2021.

[@teacherdavid--eatplaylearn5013]

Blessings from Taiwan 🇹🇼😇🧧💖🥰

[@RobertSJHu]

Aloha to you Teacher David and Yo-Yo Ma !!!! Am humbled to have your blessings from Taiwan. I had the pleasure of visiting Taiwan when I took my R & R when I served in the U.S. military and enjoyed seeing a pen pal there !!! Much aloha blessings to you from Hawaii too !!!!! Robert Sept. 5, 2021.

[@teacherdavid--eatplaylearn5013]

@@RobertSJHu Thank you for your reply, Robert. 🥳 Hope to see you AGAIN in Taiwan when the pandemic is over. 🇹🇼🤗 Jesus loves you ! 😇🧧💖

[@pseudo2224]

Have you ever heard the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise?

[@RobertSJHu]

Aloha to you Micah D !!! Sorry to tell you that I haven't heard of the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise. I'm quite naive of classical music and terminology (he-he-he); I just enjoy that kind of music, songs, and dances. Please educate me. Thanks !!!! Robert November 11, 2021.

[@jmer9126]

One of his qualities he has as an adult maestro which I can see and feel in this video is his relaxed concentration. He is totally focused, yet seems to feel and convey relaxation and joy to the audience. Amazing!

[@juliee593]

It's a thing you see in a lot of childhood prodigies, they look like they're doing the easiest thing in the world and it's such a big contrast with the public who's completely floored.

[@pvkoz8698]

I love this clip. Been a Yo-Yo Ma fan for so long. A true man of the world. He did Bach's 6 cello suites live on his own without a conductor or sheet music. You have to have the brain the size of Jupiter to even contemplate doing that wtf. He's an awesome individual. He also plays blue grass too so I like him even more. Just love watching his finger extensions in this clip at age 7. A giant of music and an awesome man.

[@IMP3TIGO]

Yo-Yo Ma played for JFK at age seven?! Mind blown.

[@Spencer_G]

I'm sure Kennedy felt the same way 👀

[@joshL28]

@@Spencer_Gtoo soon man 😢

[@Jpatient]

@@Spencer_GLMAO😂😂😂

[@mica1k]

i never knew Yo Yo Ma has been playing for so long. he's truly amazing.

[@cembaturkemikkiran4109]

When I was young I had problems going into sleep, an advice I got was correlating a new found music that I've never heard of to sleep. I went for classical music and end up learning about Yo Yo Ma, to this day when I listen to that specific sound I go to sleep in just a few minutes. I cannot thank him enough for all those restful nights and amazing dreams.

[@marcusaurelius49]

Wow. I forgot America once had and appreciate culture and class.

[@ikarooz]

We still have both. Sadly, they both get suppressed by social media more interested in uplifting mean spirits.

[@Mr_Buzz_Aldrin]

@@ikarooz well said.

[@RaymondHng]

@@Mr_Buzz_Aldrin People should put classical music, opera, or ballet performances in their social media to generate the interest.

[@j7055]

Bby they racially segregated back then lol

[@u3434-b4v]

Lmao this is a nazbol talking point BTW, the idea that to have "culture" or "class" you have to be consuming European art is a white supremacist idea

[@t81629]

I started cello at age 3, probably played similarly at 7 as him as probably most 7 y/o cellists, But what is amazing is how he exponentially improved over time. Whereas I went from 1 to 10, he went 1 to 10,000.

[@pinkpandamiranda]

Man, his vibrato is so good.

[@xiaoyuan2889]

Yeah

[@lilpoohbear653]

the lift of the sisterly eyebrow..."and were off"! Beautiful music from talented and dedicated musicians!!!

[@dino2400]

An introduction by Leonard Bernstein, to play for JFK. And we all know what became of Yo-yo Ma.... great video, thank for sharing !!

[@IanSinclairTaiChi]

I might be projecting. But to me, it seems as if he started out a bit nervous, and came across as cute. But then the music took him over and it became increasingly masterful. It went from being extraordinary because of his youth, to being simply enjoyable.

[@reyjusuf]

Yo-Yo Ma's so good, he played for the president at age 7.

[@TheStockwell]

Imagine being able to say, "Did I ever tell you about the time I performed for JFK at the White House? I performed for a president of the United States. Two presidents, actually. Eisenhower was also in the room. I was introduced by Leonard Bernstein. Did I mention that I was only 7 years old and totally "owned* that room? Good times, Good times." That sort of thing looks really good on anyone's resume! 🙂

[@nymagman]

Wow, how amazing that this recording exists!

[@alexhb12333]

There are 102270 hours in 7 years, assuming you are practicing 40hrs per day.

[@person7023]

>40 hours in a day ????

[@person7023]

I think you're getting something wrong here

[@jak.cr1ym]

@@person7023 uncultured person right here

[@person7023]

@@jak.cr1ym inside jokes 🤢

[@jak.cr1ym]

@@person7023 but the joke is shared by 3 million twosetters

[@leilachoi3767]

This is amazing. It is amazing how he played when he was so young for the President. It must have been a great honor for his parents.

[@johnmayer6533]

Hello how are you doing it’s nice meeting you here

[@ifbei]

i suspect his parents were reasonably elite and connected so this wasn't necessarily a living fantasy for them. middle class 7 year old prodigies don't get intros from leonard bernstein to play for presidents.

[@jimpowers9553]

I met him in 1998. He was a patient at our office in Boston to get his eyes checked. I have never met a nicer more congenial and humble man.

[@Jelleybean18]

He and sister played beautifully, together ♥️❤️

[@terraincognita2765]

And do you know he loves her so much...

[@jokerrfox354]

I think I learned more about yoyoma in this video than I did in orchestra class. I didn't know he was THIS old and famous practically his whole life

[@sallyjune4109]

Nor did I.

[@vanessasgram8]

I never saw or knew of this--what a wonderful "present"! Thank you--He really was a child prodigy ! How very lucky we are as a nation to have this talent in our country! Bravo!

[@johnmayer6533]

Hello how are you doing it’s nice meeting you here

[@marisapack9828]

Who are the 19 people who don't like this? Amazing. Still is.

[@YoungO-un8ul]

Probably 19 people who don't have the money to buy their kids fame

[@20891]

Blm…

[@nuschlerclark895]

Leonard Bernstein! Brilliant!

[@greenacreshomestead8302]

Appreciation of the arts and the betterment of humanity through it. A concept that the Kennedy administration held in high regard. It wasn't a perfect time, but a chance for this appreciation to be gathered and absorbed.

[@ronetele13]

There was a time when life seemed far more civil making for these sort of heart warming inclusive moments.

[@WhiteBloggerBlackSpecs]

52 years later still rocking the bow

[@Fhoebys16]

These kids are pros!! They don't even look scare. What a gift to it is to be a talented musician. ❤️✨ So much respect Yo Yo

[@ericparker163]

Just watched a video of a much more recent Yo Yo....this kids turns out to be an absolutely delightful human being as an adult.

[@ZZZjjz]

Older sister played piano so well too!

[@theendofanerror4173]

WOOHOO!!! get em' Yo-Yo and sister Yeou-Cheng!!! 🤗👏🏾🤗👏🏾🤗👏🏾

[@user-ir8gj3ru7i]

This is the first time I've ever seen anything of President Kennedy as he was before he was taken. These memories are so precious.

[@charlottem.1477]

This is why I love YT recommendations! What a beautiful piece of history!

[@johnmayer6533]

Hello how are you doing it’s nice meeting you here

[@Flyingtaco82]

Once in a generation talent! ❤❤❤

[@matthewlayne9975]

Ma is a treasure to the world!

[@muhammadsadiq8659]

A video starts with Bernstein speaking is gonna be amazing for sure 😂

[@sinpi314]

Wait that's Bernstein!? Couldn't recognise him lmao

[@muhammadsadiq8659]

@@sinpi314 yeah he was young here

[@jansumi]

@@sinpi314 Oh, I'm glad you said that, lol... I was um, squint, nooo, ohhh...

[@glenngouldschair390]

@@muhammadsadiq8659 he was young?

[@muhammadsadiq8659]

@@glenngouldschair390 Not too young, only 44 years old 😂

[@GrantKanigan]

I am in awe of how talented Ma has *always* been. Wow.

[@aldretaldret4310]

Soooo cute. Yo Yo Ma has beautiful hands. They are so happy inside. Admiration.

[@Flanneryschickens]

They did so well! I didn't know his sister was musically talented too :)

[@ralphdavis9670]

How fabulous that this was captured on tape for the ages.

[@_Dwarkin]

I love how the host pronounced their names

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

The whole introduction is weird. They’re from France, born in France, immigrants from France - so the whole opportunity and freedom schtick is bizarre.

[@BZY-bu9wr]

@@JohnOhkumaThiel It's a classic American bit

[@robertwalker2052]

The host is Leonard Bernstein.

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

@@robertwalker2052 : That actually makes it worse! He should have known better.

[@SpeegBJ]

@@JohnOhkumaThiel Oh please. Read social/cultural history.

[@stlouisix3]

My first time hearing about Yeou-Cheng Ma. She should play alongside her 'Yo-yo' more often🎹

[@ammaleslie509]

They've made some albums together I think

[@xiaoyuan2889]

I feel like I am live in the room when I am playing this video. Totally superb. Well done Prodigy Yoyoma! 👍👏

[@xiaoyuan2889]

So many likes!!!?

[@xiaoyuan2889]

Yeah yeah yeah I'm smiling everyone Cheer For YOYOMa! #cheerforyoyoma

[@charlescohen6140]

Amazing, and now we have a culture that produces Rap, with all of its demeaning features.

[@paanne1013]

How precious! Born to play the Cello.

[@ceciliarund3369]

Thank you, Yo Yo for these many years of joy through your musical talents! I hope that your sister is well. Fantastic video.

[@sharons5714]

As great a cellist he is, he also a great person.

[@karigunderson5284]

You know this is an old video with people smoking at the event. I LOVE Yo-Yo Ma's music. What an asset to America.

[@astrodad656]

Had a lawyer friend that roomed down the hall while at Harvard. Yo Yo smoked pot and played his cello incessantly.

[@lesliesterling826]

i don't know about the pot smoking, but he was known to practice 5 hours a day.

[@avocado3-in-182]

@@lesliesterling826 5 hours a day? Ling ling can do that for 40 hrs a day!

[@eddiebae6243]

@@lesliesterling826 Honestly 5 hours isn't that much. I know he didn't study music so maybe that's why he didn't practice as much. From what I understand, he went to college to understand the more psychological/human side of music than the technical aspect

[@tonywilliams7711]

Wow, you really blew up the internet, huh.

[@kuanged]

Lots of people smoke ganj and jam. Why would YoYo be any different?

[@Bettinasisrg]

I love how they're all sitting up there smoking! Boy have times changed. So great this was filmed!

[@Qwazor]

Yo-Yo Ma so talented, he can play an entire concerto on cello at 7-years-old

[@ammaleslie509]

From memory. Note that there is no music stand in front of him.

[@yuujoupop]

it’s not a concerto

[@alecwilliams7111]

I heard him play in concert at Texas Tech in 1974. I was a fan from that point on, and I wondered when the rest of the world was going to catch on. Fortunately, the world did, and he is one of our great modern musicians. Oh, as I remember it, he got a standing ovation.

[@violinogirl]

7 years old. Wow! I have been listening his podcasts and his journey as a musician. My son loves listening Yo Yo Ma.

[@darrellmfume4020]

Classical Music GREAT Leonard Bernstein talking at the beginning.

[@BennyNeptune]

I can’t get over how good this emcee is!

[@weggie3388]

This kid was not just playing, he's enjoying❤❤❤

[@K.L.M.Online]

I noticed that too!

[@rhondabaroli2683]

Omg this awesome And yo yo ma helped our hospital in 2020 thank you. And wow child prodigy alway amazes me. I had guitar since I was 19 and struggle still ..,,,but we are all here fir a reason and thank you to this dude for bringing much joy during the pandemic ...a few nurses were listening to him today ...

[@kalitablue]

The type of music humanity needs right now. Thank you!

[@teresadasilva4450]

Absolutely amazing for such a young age musician and also for his sister, who must have been playing with him since his revelation to the American and the World. Teresa

[@djgualtiermaldeCO]

I will never forget when I was one day at the office and Yo Yo called me to my personal phone and greeted me personally. was surreal

[@ginafriend1690]

I have seen Yo-Yo Ma perform in later years. Wonderful to come across this, gem!

[@sandrarubin9278]

What a precious lil Yo Yo! 🥰

[@patevans3709]

12-04-2022: Yo-Yo Ma played the cello at the dedication/unveiling of the JFK Statue at the Kennedy Center. Caroline Kennedy, daughter of President and Mrs. Kennedy, and David Rubenstein, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, spoke about JFK's contributions to the USA and cultural arts. A 7 yo Yo-Yo Ma performed for both President Kennedy and former President Eisenhower at the White House in 1962.

[@Spencer_G]

Wow, this must have been mind blowing for JFK

[@mocuishle1028]

Dang, I think I was fully potty trained when I was 7! He and his sister are so talented!

[@M.G.888]

Beautiful introduction of these two amazing artist - let’s not forget that either👏🏼🗽🌟

[@kathrynreissauthor]

both such fine musicians. What a treat!

[@piratessalyx7871]

Oh my gosh his little cello, did not know his past history, this is so wonderful!

[@kathyyansick5382]

I'm seeing this for the first time! Wonderful I did not know, all the very best to Yo-Yo Ma, the great vibe stays with me as I listen, pay attention to pure goodness it resets me

[@johnmayer6533]

Hello how are you doing it’s nice meeting you here

[@gwynnielsen5081]

Wow! I had no idea that Yo-Yo Ma was considered a prodigy, but it makes sense. My professional cellist nephew started playing when he was three.

[@meraaicat]

Incredible ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@marcianneaikau8776]

Wow, awesome children, love the smiles they brought, as well as their culture . East meats west. Great family ! They have brought much understanding to humanity of ancient values. Unchained melody 🎶

[@loucat2779]

Yo-Yo was just following big sis' direction on this one. Props go to Yeou- Cheng!

[@TT-eb5eo]

Beautiful Souls.Thank you both ❤

[@GiuseppeBenne]

I honestly read Yo Ma Ma's and I'm not disappointed for clicking on the video

[@keithmccabe4040]

Absolutely adorable. What talent.

[@VetsrisAuguste]

As much as I adore Yoyo Ma, the performance of the two siblings is not the most noteworthy part of this clip. The words of Leonard Bernstein reveal a stark contrast against today’s attitudes regarding immigration and its significant impact on American culture.

[@jessewolf7649]

No. Bernstein was implicitly addressing LEGAL immigration. Not what’s happening now under Biden.

[@VetsrisAuguste]

@@jessewolf7649 you may feel that way yourself, but I doubt Mr. Bernstein had any intent in differentiating between legal and non-legal immigration. Do you think Leonard Bernstein gave a s#it whether or not the Ma family immigrated legally? No, he probably didn’t even bother with the thought. He cared only about the extraordinary nature of these particular children. Their legal status would not have changed that. I don’t advocate for illegal immigration, neither does the Biden administration. You are being played.

[@cathyanndee5482]

How simply yet complex melody thank you for posting

[@jecarodriguezcolon]

Wow that’s so beautiful. I cried the first time I saw this video

[@zxh5566]

a living legend, that's him. from the white and black pictures till now what the color of his hairs alike.