Throughout 2025, the World Tribune is featuring on the cover historical acts by people and countries that shifted public sentiment and even thawed tensions between nations. We focus here on the power of one person to give countless others hope.
“What happens when strangers meet?” This simple yet profound question sparked the creation of Silkroad—a global collective of artists committed to crossing borders through the power of the arts.
Founded in 1998 by world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Silkroad was born out of a desire to counteract the division in an increasingly globalized world. Ma saw in the ancient Silk Road—a historic trade route connecting East and West—a powerful model for cultural exchange. Along those routes, people didn’t just trade goods; they shared ideas, traditions and innovation. Inspired by this, Ma envisioned an organization that would embody the same spirit of collaboration and learning through difference.
The result was Silkroad and its ensemble: a groundbreaking group of world-class musicians from across the globe, united by a shared belief in the transformative power of culture. Together, they are creating a new musical language—one that thrives on diversity and connection, and serves as a metaphor for a more inclusive, hopeful world.
The Silkroad Ensemble has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Suntory Hall, in Tokyo, and the Hollywood Bowl, in Los Angeles, and has released eight albums. Their album, “Sing Me Home” won the Best World Music Album Grammy in 2016 and explores the concept of “home” through the lenses of the ensemble’s diverse members, many of whom are immigrants.
In his published dialogue with jazz icons Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, Reaching Beyond, Ikeda Sensei explains that music functions to open and expand our lives, saying, “Nothing compares to the power of music to instantaneously transcend all forms of discrimination, engender a powerful spiritual unity and elevate listeners” (p. 23).
Silkroad also focuses on education and outreach, partnering with schools, universities, museums and community groups to lead workshops and residencies in places as diverse as public schools and prisons to indigenous and refugee communities.
Beyond music, it’s an answer to what’s possible when strangers meet and create something, together.
—Prepared by the World Tribune staff
April 18, 2025 World Tribune, p. 11
You are reading {{ meterCount }} of {{ meterMax }} free premium articles