With powerful words, performing music by Bach, renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma reminds us of music's unique power to connect and unite everyone. At the border between sister cities Laredo, Texas and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, he quotes from the poem by Emma Lazarus on the base of the Statue of Liberty: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free...". Like the Statue of Liberty, Yo-Yo Ma and his music exhort us to remember that "in culture we build bridges, not walls."

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  • Nora Grove

    What has inspired me is the power of music and this great artist to bring hope and love to a situation that fills my heart with sadness.

  • Wendy

    I just finished listening to the audiobook of AllThe Light We Cannot See, and this piece was profoundly part of that. So powerful. I lift a light for inclusion and creativity and a bigger love.

  • Heinz J. Kuzdas

    Wonderful initiative just like the great violinist Rostropovich who played at the Berlin Wall just the day after the fall on Nov. 11, 1989.......more artists should follow and also play in front of the White House...!

  • Melinda

    Yo-Yo Ma is such an inspiring human being. He is a real Mensch! I love and admire this man, not only for his musical talent but for his love of Humanity and how he shows that not only musically, but in his actions toward others.

  • Kristin Pedemonti

    such love <3 and what a gift to share the gift where it is needed. <3

  • Andyb

    Unconditional Love expressed through the gift of Music, which knows no boundaries!!

  • Gloria

    I am moved by this video because of the lovely way that music becomes resistance to the existing federal government in the USA. Many thanks to the organizers and to Yo-Yo Ma.

  • Linda

    Everything. Think generosity to those who have little. Think kindness to those who have rarely seen it. Think gratitude at the possibility of offering aid to those who may die without it. Embrace humanity for if we look in a mirror, we see each other. Say yes to offering love and support to mothers, children, and fathers, not unlike ourselves.... but for war, hunger, and lack of freedom.

  • Marianne

    We cannot lose hope. The music the words all is beautiful. Thank you.

  • Rob Munoz

    What beautiful music. Inspirational words.

  • Mick O'Toole

    What a beautiful soul. This really lifted my spirits. Thank you dear Yo-Yo. Viva la conexión, la compasión y el Amor! ♥.

  • Jodi

    His words and music were so inspiring. How beautiful to let go of fear and remember we are not separated by a wall or some imaginary line. We are all connected and can help and learn from each other.

  • Dorothy

    The extreme kindness. We all need so much hope during these times. Thank you so much.

  • Cindy

    Beautiful music, beautiful message, beautiful human.

  • Jane Jackson

    This video helps me to breathe free and to be hopeful. Thank you.

  • Page 1

  • Read more about this moving performance's power to cross the divide.
  • Learn more about music's ability to help us to connect with each other. 
  • Have a conversation about music with someone with whom you do not always agree. How can you find common ground through shared music? 

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