A few hours after the “Hands Off” social justice protest ended in Santa Barbara and across the country on Saturday, globally acclaimed cellist Yo Yo Ma took the stage of the Arlington Theatre to perform what he’s known for — extraordinary musicianship for an audience needing comfort.
Ma has engaged his artistry for such healing on many occasions or during times of unease, such as a commemorative cello performance at Ground Zero on the 10th anniversary of the September 11 catastrophe.
With many in the Arlington audience last Saturday night having participated in the De La Guerra Plaza rally and march during the day, tensions, anxiety, and sorrow were high.
As at Ground Zero, Ma’s program at the Arlington was Bach suites for unaccompanied cello. He began with the first suite in G Major, with the title, and all 6 movements, listed on the big stage screen behind him as he moved through the music…