Marlboro Music Alum Yo-Yo Ma Receives Kennedy Center Honor

New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Marlboro Music) Yo-Yo Ma, who spent four formative summers in Vermont as a teenager at the unique classical music think tank - Marlboro Music - last weekend received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor, recognizing artists that have influenced American culture. Yo-Yo Ma was joined by fellow recipients actress Meryl Streep, Broadway singer, Barbara Cook, jazz saxophonist, Sonny Rollins, and pop singer, Neil Diamond, in receiving the 2011 honor.

Marlboro Music is a world-acclaimed gathering place for elite musicians - masters exploring music together with the most exceptional young professionals for two months each summer. Yo-Yo Ma attended over four summers (1973-76) and credits Marlboro with his decision to become a musician. His first contact with key people involved in Marlboro was as a 6 year-old making an impromptu performance during a rehearsal in New York City. From age 16 to 20, and at a crossroads in his musical life, Yo-Yo Ma spent four summers at Marlboro in Vermont studying with the greats of chamber music. "Marlboro is the place where I decided to become a musician," says Ma. It was also at Marlboro that Ma met his future wife, Jill Horner, and long-time musical collaborator, pianist Emanuel Ax.

The Kennedy Center Honors ceremony will be broadcast on CBS on December 27th, 2011.