© DAN REST
World-Stage ConcertsThe Silk Road Ensemble has given performances in locations ranging from concert halls to stadiums to museum galleries throughout the world, including Millennium Park in Chicago (above), Suntory Hall in Tokyo, Carnegie Hall in New York, Shanghai Stadium in China, Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, the Royal Albert Hall in London and the United Nations General Assembly Hall.
© TODD ROSENBERG/SONY BMG MASTERWORKS
The Silk Road Ensemble is a collective of musicians, composers and performing artists from more than 20 countries around the world. Many of the musicians first came together under the artistic direction of Yo-Yo Ma at a workshop at Tanglewood Music Center in Massachusetts in 2000.
In sharing traditions from various cultures, the Ensemble develops and performs new music and multimedia pieces, exploring and expanding contemporary musical crossroads.
The Silk Road Ensemble has recorded five albums and performed to critical acclaim throughout Asia, Europe and North America. The Ensemble's most rencent recording, Off the Map, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Classical Crossover Album in 2011.
A rotating Silk Road Ensemble Leadership Council provides artistic direction by members of the Ensemble.
Music is often commissioned for the Silk Road Ensemble from these and other composers. Many Silk Road Ensemble performers also compose music for the Silk Road Ensemble.