As this is a Latin American music concert, Ma will also perform the works of Astor Piazzolla, such as the heart-rending Zita and the emotionally intense Tango Suite. Closing the concert will probably be Waldir Azevedo's Brasileirinho, a well-known choro piece from the 1940s. Ma, together with D'Rivera and Baptista, create such flowing and cheerful renditions of the melodies that the audience will find it hard to sit still, as in the case of previous concerts on Ma's tour.
The ability to bring out the unexpected in musicians from different cultures has been Ma's trademark since his 1996 collaboration with Mark O'Conner and Edger Meyer on the album Appalachia Waltz, where there is a surprising chemistry between classical music and folk music, country blues and jazz from America.
Enlisting help from outstanding musicians around the world, Ma founded in 1988 the Silk Road Project, an artistic, cultural and educational organization to study "the ebb and flow of ideas along" the ancient trade route. The resulting Silk Road Ensemble explores the boundaries between innovation and tradition, in Mongolian and Middle Eastern music.
Ma's first recording of South American music, Soul of the Tango interpreted the works of Argentina's master of the nuevo tango, Astor Piazzolla, and helped win one of his 14 Grammy Awards. The same production team is behind his new album.
Touring for the album started in August. It has taken Ma and the ensemble through Amsterdam, London and various stops in the US. After the Taipei show, they are due to perform in Japan, before more touring in the US throughout the fall.
Yo-Yo Ma and seven other musicians will perform An Evening of Latin American Music at 7:45pm, Oct. 28 at the National Concert Hall (國家音樂廳 ). Tickets range from NT$1,800 to NT$3,600 and are available at Era ticketing outlets.
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