Yo-Yo Ma 2011 Presidential Medal Of Freedom

Yo-Yo Ma 2011 Presidential Medal Of Freedom, February 15, 2011, Greencastle, Ind. — “Recognized as one of the world’s greatest musicians, Yo-Yo Ma’s talents know no boundaries of genre or culture,” said President Barack Obama today as he presented Ma with the Medal of Freedom. A total of 15 individuals were honored at the White House ceremony, including America’s 41st President George H.W. Bush, sports legends Bill Russell and Stan Musial, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and investor Warren Buffett.

As announced last month, Yo-Yo Ma will be the featured artist of “DePauw Discourse 2011: Empowering Society Through the Arts,” scheduled to take place September 29 – October 1.

“Since performing at the White House for President Kennedy at the age of seven, he has recorded more than 75 albums, won more than a dozen Grammy awards and established himself as one of our nation’s most acclaimed and respected artists,” President Obama said. “His music has bound us together and captured our imagination, and the United States proudly honors this prolific cellist and ambassador for the arts.”