Yo-Yo Ma
The 6 Unaccompanied Cello Suites

Suite No. 1 in G major, Suite No. 2 in D minor, Suite No. 3 in C major, Suite No. 4 in E flat major, Suite No. 5 in C minor, Suite No. 6 in D major

Yo-Yo Ma needs no introduction. Widely considered the greatest cellist in the world, he has received more than 18 Grammy Awards, and accolades including the Polar Music Prize (2012) and the United States National Medal of the Arts (2001). Throughout his career, he has joined partners from around the world and across disciplines — from Carlos Santana and Bobby McFerrin to the global collective of Silkroad musicians – to stretch the boundaries of genre and tradition, exploring how culture connects us.

Last year, Yo-Yo began a new journey, setting out to perform Johann Sebastian Bach’s six suites for solo cello in one sitting in 36 locations around the world, iconic venues that — like the Odeon — encompass our cultural heritage, our current creativity, and the challenges of peace and understanding that will shape our future.

“Bach’s cello suites have been my constant musical companions,” says Yo-Yo. “For almost six decades, they have given me sustenance, comfort, and joy during times of stress, celebration, and loss. What power does this music possess that even today, after three hundred years, it continues to help us navigate through troubled times?”

The Athens Festival audiences will have the chance to answer this question in a single, spellbinding, unforgettable evening.

PROGRAMME

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Cello Suite No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007

Prélude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Menuet I & II, Gigue

 

Cello Suite No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1008

Prélude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Menuet I & II, Gigue

 

Cello Suite No. 3 in C major, BWV 1009

Prélude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Bourrée I & II, Gigue

 

Cello Suite No. 4 in E flat major, BWV 1010

Prélude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Bourrée I & II, Gigue

 

Cello Suite No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011

Prélude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gavotte I & II, Gigue

 

Cello Suite No. 6 in D major, BWV 1012

Prélude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gavotte I & II, Gigue