Also: Yo-Yo Ma Opens 2011 Discourse with 'Reflections on a Life in Music'
October 1, 2011, Greencastle, Ind. — Yo-Yo Ma's two-day visit to DePauw University, which included a Thursday night lecture and a sold-out concert last evening, yielded some performances that weren't on the world renowned cellist's official itinerary. (top photo: Ma performs at Asbury Towers, courtesy Banner-Graphic; below right: students gather around Ma at the Hub during the lunch hour, courtesy: The DePauw/Chase Hall)
Ma, joined by the entire string section of the DePauw University Orchestra and conducted by Professor Orcenith Smith, performed the Appalachian Waltz in the Hub at 12:10 p.m. Friday in the middle of the dining hall's busy lunch hour. The Grammy Award-winning musician played to a packed house comprised largely of DePauw students -- some who came to dine, while others gathered after seeing Facebook posts that Ma might be stopping by. You can see video on YouTube.
The cellist then made a stop at Asbury Towers, the retirement community on the edge of the DePauw campus, where he delighted residents and staff with an impromptu performance.
At his concert last night, Ma told the audience that his visit to Greencastle had been "DePauw-some" and that it's a "wonderful community."
Friday's appearances are noted in The DePauw as well as the Banner-Graphic.
Yo-Yo Ma headlined "DePauw Discourse 2011: Empowering Society Through the Arts," which concludes today. A summary of his lecture -- including video clips and photos -- can be accessed here. Also available is an online photo gallery.