Music

Cellist Yo-Yo Ma surprises visitors with pop up performances in Acadia National Park

"It’s hard to put into words. It was a pretty magical moment."

In this screengrab, Yo-Yo Ma speaks during the Celebrating America Primetime Special on January 20, 2021. (Photo by Handout/Biden Inaugural Committee via Getty Images )

By Julia Taliesin

1 minute to read

Those who happened to be in Acadia National Park last week were treated to two impromptu performances by world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

Read More

Ma put on two pop-ups around Acadia on June 17, at Otter Point and the Jordan Pond House, as well as a planned sunrise show on June 18 at Schoodic Point.

The sunrise show was put on in partnership with Wabanaki Nation musicians for an event honoring Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s first national park visit since assuming her role. Haaland is the first Native American cabinet secretary.

https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofAcadia/videos/562706848090310

David MacDonald, president and CEO of Friends of Acadia, told NBC10 Boston the experience was incredibly special.

Advertisement:

“I felt excited, I felt honored, inspired, a little nervous how it would all come off, whether they could indeed keep them surprised and pop-up events,” MacDonald said. “It’s hard to put into words. It was a pretty magical moment.”

https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofAcadia/posts/4263276123725358

This is not Ma’s first surprise performance. In March, he performed at a vaccine clinic in Pittsfield during his 15-minute observation period, and in September, the Berkshire Eagle reported that Ma teamed up with pianist Emanuel Ax to perform for essential workers in western Massachusetts.

To comment, please create a screen name in your profile

Conversation

This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com