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Yo-Yo Ma, one of the most recognizable names in classical music today, will perform at SUNY Fredonia on Thursday, Dec. 8.

The event, which will also serve as a scholarship benefit, will feature the world-renowned cellist as a soloist performing with the College Symphony Orchestra, giving SUNY Fredonia students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from and perform with one of the greatest musicians in any genre of any era.

World-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma will perform at SUNY Fredonia on Dec. 8.

Yo-Yo Ma has been a cultural beacon for decades. This unparalleled artist has performed at the Oscars, Grammys, and Olympics, as well as the inauguration of President Barack Obama, among his numerous career highlights.

Tickets for the concert are sold out, with the exception of a few student tickets to be released in the fall. 

“That Yo-Yo Ma would accept an invitation to perform at SUNY Fredonia demonstrates the extraordinary quality which our School of Music has established in classical music circles,” said SUNY Fredonia President Dennis Hefner. “Our music program truly is among the very best in the nation, and our faculty and students routinely demonstrate their expertise and excellence on a daily basis.”

Ma will take the stage in the campus’ beautiful King Concert Hall at 8 p.m. to perform Dvorák’s beloved Cello Concerto with SUNY Fredonia’s College Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. David Rudge. Additional programming will include Strauss’ Overture to “Die Fledermaus” and Elgar’s “Enigma” Variations.

In addition to his performance and pre-concert rehearsals with the students, Ma will conduct a special presentation for the whole campus in the form of an interactive master class.  He has also been named a Williams Distinguished Visiting Artist, as his appearance is being partially sponsored by the Williams Visiting Scholar/Artist program.

“This is an unbelievable opportunity not only for music lovers across Western New York and beyond, but it presents an unmatched learning experience for our students,” added School of Music Director Karl Boelter, “and it underscores the quality which a Fredonia education represents.”

Young and old flock to Yo-Yo Ma’s sold-out concerts, coming away moved, thrilled and inspired. He has released 75 records, holds Grammy Awards, honorary degrees and other awards, serves on President Obama’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, and has won the National Medal of the Arts and the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award. He was appointed Culture Connect Ambassador by the U.S. Department of State in 2002.

Strongly committed to educational programs that bring young audiences into contact with music and allow them to participate in its creation, Ma works to connect music to students’ daily surroundings and activities with the goal of making music and creativity a vital part of children’s lives from an early age.

Those unable to attend but interested in supporting scholarships in the School of Music are welcome to make a gift to the School of Music Scholarship Endowment online at or by calling the Fredonia College Foundation at 716-673-3321.