Worklife with Adam Grant How Yo-Yo Ma sustains his creative energy
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Feb 28, 2023 Yo-Yo Ma, a world-renowned cellist and humanitarian, shares his journey from a child prodigy to a celebrated artist, reflecting on the pressures of early success. He dives into the themes of burnout, the importance of managing creative energy, and how music fosters profound human connections. Yo-Yo emphasizes the emotional impact of music during tough times, like the pandemic, and discusses the balance between talent and energy, advocating for supportive environments that nurture future generations of artists.
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Meeting Danny Kaye
- Yo-Yo Ma remembers playing for President Kennedy at age seven, but his strongest memory is of Danny Kaye.
- Kaye conducted the National Symphony Orchestra humorously and interacted with Ma at eye level, making a lasting impression.
Child's Perspective
- As a child, Yo-Yo Ma's focus was on the immediate interaction rather than the grandeur of the event.
- He prioritized the communicator (Kaye) who engaged with him directly over the remote figure of the president.
The Zone
- Accessing a semi-conscious state, similar to the moments before sleep, helps Yo-Yo Ma enter a performance "zone."
- In this zone, he focuses intensely on the story, constantly reading the audience for feedback to ensure connection.