Yo-Yo Ma Kicks Off Concert With Poignant Tribute To Ukraine

World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, pianist Emanuel Ax and violinist Leonidas Kavakos confirmed solidarity with Ukraine in the beginning of their all-Beethoven program at The Kennedy Heart in Washington on Monday with a efficiency of the Ukrainian nationwide anthem.

Individuals within the full viewers stood all through the rendition. They remained silent for a number of seconds after it completed, then burst into applause earlier than taking seats.

Yo-Yo Ma, together with Emanuel Ax and Leonidas Kavakos, begins his efficiency at Washington’s Kennedy Heart with a efficiency of Ukraine’s nationwide anthem. A full, standing home. pic.twitter.com/m1shyLzY4Z

— Julia Ioffe (@juliaioffe) March 8, 2022

Earlier Monday, Ma carried out to little fanfare outdoors the Russian Embassy in Washington.

“Everybody has to do one thing,” he reportedly instructed a passerby stunned by the famed cellist’s low-key gig.

On the day Russia invaded Ukraine, Ma retweeted this attraction from United Nations Secretary-Common António Guterres:

Beneath the current circumstances, I have to change my attraction:

President Putin, within the identify of humanity, carry your troops again to Russia.

This battle should cease now.

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 24, 2022