Silkroad Ensemble performance at the 2024 Media Impact Forum

Imagine a world in which music transcends borders, weaving a tapestry of cultures instead of division. This was the vision of Yo-Yo Ma when he created the Silkroad Ensemble in 1998. Inspired by the ancient Silk Road trade route, Ma assembled a unique group of musicians, each from a different region along this historic pathway. Their mission: to create a new musical language—forged from a beautiful blend of traditions and innovation—as a model for cultural collaboration. Today, under the leadership of Artistic Director Rhiannon Giddens, Silkroad creates music that engages difference, sparking radical cultural collaboration and passion-driven learning for a more hopeful and inclusive world.