The senior residents of Valencia Terrace, a Kisco Senior Living Community, are still feeling the excitement after recently welcoming Grammy Award-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma for a surprise performance at the community. The once-in-a-lifetime performance was part of the Kennedy Center’s “Arts Across America” program, in which Valencia Terrace was the only senior living stop in the Greater Corona community. The program aims to recognize cities in the country where the arts are thriving, as well as to bring awareness to the importance of the arts as a whole for people of all ages and backgrounds. The private performance was coordinated between the Corona City Chamber and Valencia Terrace team members as a surprise for residents. During his visit, Ma even performed an impromptu duet with resident Marjorie Keith at the piano, providing the nearly 100 residents in the audience with a personalized concert experience they will not soon forget.
“Having the opportunity to perform with Yo-Yo Ma was absolutely incredible,” said Keith. “It was an honor to have someone as esteemed as Ma in our community and have the chance to share in his gift of music in such a special setting. I was brought to tears during his performance and was simply awed by how humbly he presented himself to us. No one will forget the performance any time soon nor the kindness extended by Ma.”
Upon his arrival, Ma unexpectedly performed with the resident choir. They sang “God Bless America,” “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” and concluded with a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem. Ma’s performance left many in the audience awed by his ability to pour his heart and feeling into the music, allowing the listener to enjoy and connect with the story he wished to tell through his cello. While Ma’s talents are captivating, nothing quite touched those in attendance like his tribute to the veterans in the room who have sacrificed for our country. Sitting in the front row, the veterans were honored for their service and applauded by the artist during his performance. It’s this interaction with his audience that left the biggest impression on the community and won’t be forgotten any time soon.
“It was an honor to welcome Yo-Yo Ma into our community and to be a part of an initiative such as Arts Across America,” said Dyan Summerell, executive director of Valencia Terrace. “We take great pride in providing our residents with experiences that strengthen the mind, body and spirit through unique opportunities. Being chosen as a location for one of Yo-Yo Ma’s performances was truly humbling, and we know that it is a moment that will be treasured by all in attendance for a while to come.”