Who Is Yo-Yo Ma? Age, Biography and Wiki
Yo-Yo Ma was born on October 7, 1955, which makes him 69 years old as of 2025. Hailing from Paris, France, he was raised in a musical family and showed prodigious talent as a cellist from a young age. Ma's family moved to New York City when he was seven years old, and he quickly gained recognition for his exceptional skills. He has had a remarkable career, using his art to connect cultures and promote understanding through music.
| Occupation | Musicians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 7, 1955 |
| Age | 69 Years |
| Birth Place | Paris, France |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | France |
Popularity
Yo-Yo Ma's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Yo-Yo Ma stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and weighs around 170 lbs (77 kg). His slender build and composed demeanor contribute to his captivating stage presence. Though specific body measurements are not widely published, his dedication to maintaining an active lifestyle positively impacts his overall health and performance.
Ma also plays on a 1733 Domenico Montagnana cello, named the "Petunia". In 2005, it was valued at US$2.5 million (US$ million in prices). A student approached Ma after one of his classes in Salt Lake City and asked if the cello had a nickname. Ma replied, "No, but if I play for you, will you name it?" The student chose Petunia, and it stuck.
In 1999, Ma inadvertently left the cello in a taxicab in New York City, but it was quickly returned undamaged. That year, when its neck was damaged during X-ray baggage inspection, he borrowed the Pawle Stradivarius cello from the Chimei Museum for a concert in Taiwan.
The damage was repaired in time, but Ma played both Petunia and Pawle in the concert nonetheless.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Yo-Yo Ma remains married to his long-time wife, Jill Hornor, whom he wed in 1978. The couple has two children together. There are no rumors of any extramarital relationships, and Ma's focus appears to be on his family and musical career. His stable home life contrasts with the often tumultuous world of celebrity relationships, showcasing a commitment to both family and music.
Yo-Yo Ma (born October 7, 1955) is a French-born American cellist. Born to Chinese parents in Paris, he was regarded as a child prodigy there and began to study the cello with his father at age four.
At the age of seven, Ma moved with his family to Boston and later to New York City, where he continued his cello studies at the Juilliard School before pursuing a liberal arts education at Harvard University. He has performed as a soloist with orchestras around the world, recorded more than 92 albums, and received 19 Grammy Awards.
Net Worth and Salary
Yo-Yo Ma's net worth is estimated to be around $40 million in 2025. His earnings primarily stem from a distinguished career as a concert cellist, award-winning recordings, and various collaborations. Ma has been a recipient of multiple Grammy Awards and has performed with prestigious orchestras worldwide, contributing significantly to his impressive financial standing.
Career, Business and Investments
Throughout his illustrious career, Yo-Yo Ma has pushed the boundaries of classical music. He is known not just for his performances but also for his efforts to bridge cultural divides through music, evident in projects such as the Silk Road Ensemble. In addition to his musical career, Ma is involved in various philanthropic endeavors, advocating for music education and global cultural exchange. His investments primarily focus on music projects and charities contributing to art education.
In addition to his prolific musical career, Ma collaborated in 1999 with landscape architects to design a Bach-inspired garden. Known as the Music Garden, it interprets Bach's Suite No. 1 in G major, with the garden's sections designed to correspond to the suite's dance movements.
Toronto enthusiastically embraced the design, originally planned for Boston, and it was subsequently built in the Harbourfront neighborhood.
Social Network
Yo-Yo Ma is active on social media, using platforms like Instagram and Twitter to connect with fans and share insights about his life and career. His social media presence helps to enhance his public persona as not just an incredible musician but also a dedicated advocate for culture and education. While he maintains a relatively low profile compared to other celebrities, his impact and influence are felt both in the classical music world and beyond.
On November 3, 2009, President Barack Obama appointed Ma to serve on the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities. His music was featured in the 2010 documentary Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story, narrated by Academy Award winner Dustin Hoffman. In 2010, President Obama announced that he would recognize Ma with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which Ma received in February 2011.
Education
Yo-Yo Ma is a highly educated individual, having attended the Juilliard School where he studied under the tutelage of the acclaimed cellist Leonard Rose. Additionally, he graduated from Harvard University with a degree in anthropology, reflecting his commitment to understanding and integrating art with cultural identity. His educational background has contributed significantly to his musical style and approach to performance.
Ma attended Columbia University, but dropped out. He later enrolled at Harvard College. Prior to entering Harvard, Ma played in the Marlboro Festival Orchestra under the direction of cellist, conductor and Ma's childhood hero Pablo Casals.
He spent four summers at the Marlboro Music Festival after meeting and falling in love with Mount Holyoke College sophomore and festival administrator Jill Hornor during his first summer there in 1972.
