Everyone starts somewhere.
Sixty years ago a seven-year-old played his cello for President John F. Kennedy (and former President Eisenhower who was also in attendance). The performance was at the National Cultural Center, which was later renamed The Kennedy Center. The young boy is introduced by Leonard Bernstein.
The cellist? Yo-Yo Ma.
To put more historical context to this event: Thirty days earlier the Cuban Missile Crisis, when the U.S. and Russia had a standoff over missiles being deployed in Cuba, ended.
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A Writer’s Entrance Exam
The first thing to catch my eye was the smoker seated to the speaker’s left.
Refreshing! A glint of day light amid such darkness during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Thanks, Steve for that pleasant interlude.
Wow! So, amazing. That is a whole lot of pressure for a seven-year-old and an eleven-year-old to undergo and they just sailed through with beautiful aplomb. Wow!
What a joy to listen to the 7-year old play before presidents, and then the 62-year old play the same suite in a Tiny Desk Concert. The man’s life work is such a gift to listeners.
Thanks, Steve!
Like a rare and precious wine Yo-Yo Ma has improved with age, and his gift has increased with time. It’s always a pleasure to hear him. Thank you for sharing this jewel. Marilyn