The Lebanese great musical taste is well-known to everyone. No matter what is going on at the moment, our problems always seem to disappear for a few minutes when we listen to a good song. Therefore, it is obvious that a lot of people attended Yo-Yo Ma’s “Musical Activism Event” held in Beirut on Sunday, the 25th.
To begin with a little bit of historical background, Yo-Yo Ma is a Chinese-American cellist born in Paris on the 7th of October 1955. He studied in New York City and started performing from the age of four and a half. A graduate of Juilliard School and of Harvard University, he performs as a soloist all around the world.
His current Bach’s project consists of performing Johann Sebastian Bach’s six suites for solo cello in 36 locations around the world, including Lebanon in Byblos and Beirut. Yo-Yo Ma is not only driven by Bach’s passion and by his flawless musical career but also by his ability to unite people in a world that is constantly separating them.
The performance in Beirut counted with the participation of children, mostly refugees. The little ones sang their own musical creations, calling out for a better world with more opportunities for everyone. The event was presented in partnership with the Right to Play organization that aims to protect these children.
According to Samar Ghraibe, a coach in the Right to Play organization, the progress that these kids made was unbelievable. They used to be so nervous, had severe anxiety, and were not able to talk to anyone. In addition, most of them had been living amidst strong violence. Now, they are able to create their own songs and sing it to the public.
In addition to the children, the event also had the presence of many music and NGO activists. In fact, Beit Beirut was never seen so full. What is nice about it, is that Yo-Yo Ma barely took the stage, leaving it mostly to the children and the activists.
It seems that he wasn’t wrong after all; Johann Sebastian Bach and his melody are able to unite us all. Now, Yo-Yo Ma continued Bach’s mission with great mastery!
Follow @the961 on Instagram!
