Yo-Yo Ma conceived Silkroad in 1998 as a reminder that even as rapid globalization resulted in division, it brought extraordinary possibilities for working together. Seeking to understand this dynamic, he began to learn about the historical Silk Road, recognizing in it a model for radical cultural collaboration, for the exchange of ideas and tradition alongside commerce and innovation. And in an innovative experiment, he brought together musicians from the lands of the Silk Road to co-create a new artistic idiom, a musical language founded in difference, a metaphor for the benefits of a more connected world.

This initial gathering of artists was rooted in a simple, initial question: “What happens when strangers meet?” And thus Silkroad was born, as both a touring ensemble composed of world-class musicians from all over the globe, and a social impact organization working to make a positive impact across borders through the arts.

Today, under the leadership of Artistic Director Rhiannon Giddens, Silkroad is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to create music that engages difference, sparking cultural collaboration and education for a more hopeful and inclusive world. What does this look like?

• Creation of new music — Silkroad develops a musical language founded in difference and collaboration that draws on the rich tapestry of traditions that make up our many-layered contemporary identities.
• The Grammy award-winning Silkroad Ensemble — Silkroad thrills audiences worldwide with a collective of artists representing dozens of nationalities and artistic traditions, demonstrating how great beauty can emerge from great difference.
• Educational partnerships — Silkroad uses the arts to ignite passions and foster education in students, teachers, and musicians through training workshops and residency programs in public schools, universities, prisons, and indigenous and refugee communities.
• Social impact initiatives — Silkroad brings music, hope, and understanding to underserved, yet culturally rich, urban, rural, indigenous, and refugee communities.

For more information, visit silkroad.org.