Stefan
World-renowned cellist, and only cellist you can name, Yo-Yo Ma has made headlines by performing on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border to protest Donald Trump’s draconian immigration policies.
According to HuffPost Ma performed on both sides of the border, in Laredo, Texas and in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico to promote unity between the two countries as part of his “Bach Project” tour.
Furthermore, Huffpost reports that, in addition to performing, Ma did not mince words, making clear references to Trump’s proposed border wall and recent claims that the country is too full to accept immigrants, saying:
“In culture, we build bridges, not walls,”
And:
“A country is not a hotel, and it’s not full.”
NPR reported on the event and also provides a video, courtesy of Texas Public Radio.
Users on social media captured some of the hauntingly beautiful music, which feels even more poignant considering the location and political context.
Today at the scary, scary border Laredoans spent a beautiful morning with Yo-Yo Ma. Across the river is Mexico, where another performance is being held for the residents of Nuevo Laredo. This is life on the border, please don’t believe otherwise. pic.twitter.com/joGqJhN6VW
— mazapam 🌹 (@pamelurz) April 13, 2019
“In culture, we build bridges, not walls.”-@YoYo_Ma . I admire his talent. I admire his purpose. And most of all, I admire the fact that he chose to come to my hometown, the U.S.-Mexico border, for his Bach Project. #YoYoMa #CultureConnectsUs #BachProject #Laredo #NuevoLaredo pic.twitter.com/a0fo4hI8Fh
— Ingrid Valdes (@ingridvlds) April 14, 2019
Yo-Yo Ma, world renowned cellist, just started playing Bach in Laredo, under the international bridge to Mexico.
— Silvia Foster-Frau (@SilviaElenaFF) April 13, 2019
His next stop: Nuevo Laredo.@ExpressNews article coming soon. pic.twitter.com/s5knvoTO1s
As promised — Yo-Yo Ma’s visit to both sides of the border:
— Silvia Foster-Frau (@SilviaElenaFF) April 14, 2019
“A country is not a hotel. And it’s not full,” he said. “In culture, we build bridges, not walls.”https://t.co/MqHPTSTF0e @ExpressNews
People expressed appreciation for Ma’s musical act of protest and unity.
This news really touched my heart. With all the hate & insanity swirling around this country Yo Yo Ma act of kindness is wonderful ! https://t.co/R8GmcwBITA
— Mamastarlight (@mamastarlight) April 14, 2019
I truly feel that Yo Yo Ma is a great human. The finest musician of this generation, he is not afraid to speak up for something he believes in. “A country is not a hotel. We are not full.” https://t.co/suHHYfM64A
— Kevin Overton (@KGO3237) April 14, 2019
Here's our initial story from the border. Yo Yo Ma was just excellent. @NormDog1 @terrazas_lauren @TPRNews @tprclassical https://t.co/2qFLw4csJi
— Jack Morgan (@jackmorganii) April 13, 2019
Beautiful day full of classical music, dancers, family and culture at the rio grande with yo yo ma visiting pic.twitter.com/C0KSZOxxB1
— Veronica Q Cigarroa (@UCRanchLaredo) April 14, 2019
h/t: HuffPost