Cellist Yo-Yo Ma â76 joined six Harvard students to discuss the importance of art in bridging various personal and global gaps in a virtual event on Monday as part of this year s virtual ARTS FIRST festival, hosted by Harvardâs Office of the Arts.
The event, titled âMusic and Human Connectionâ and moderated by Alicia Anstead and Jack Megan of the OFA, is the first of three conversations with past Harvard Arts Medal recipients as part of ARTS FIRST, which runs from April 19 to April 30.
Ma spoke on the emotional demands of his art, including his struggle to embrace imperfections.
In response to Alan J. Tu â23, who asked Ma about the role of messiness and experimentation in his music, Ma urged listeners to be âabsolutely presentâ in every moment despite its flaws.