On the heels of Yo-Yo Ma’s current success with his best-selling album, ” Songs of Joy & Peace,” the superstar cellist performed at the inauguration of Barack Obama on January 20, 2009. Yo-Yo Ma along with Itzhak Perlman on violin, Gabriela Montero on piano and Anthony McGill on clarinet performed the new work composed by John Williams, “Air and Simple Gifts.” Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. then administered the oath of office to Mr. Obama, who then delivered his inaugural address.

Later is was reported that millions of viewers heard a recording played by a celebrated quartet of musicians at Barack Obama’s inauguration rather than the notes the group actually played for the new president. If you recall, China ran into issues with lipsynching the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony.

Yo-Yo Ma to Performance at Obama Inauguration (If you watch the video, Yo-Yo Ma got the most cheers when Diane Feinstein announced the musicians.)