Yo-Yo Ma is an American cellist (大提琴家) born in Paris to Chinese parents. His musical career is a testament to his belief in culture’s power to generate trust and understanding. Whether performing works, engaging unexpected musical forms, or working with communities and institutions to explore culture’s role in society, he works to create a better world that begins with culture.

Expanding upon this belief, in 1998 he established Silkroad, a collective of artists worldwide creating music that engages many traditions. In addition to presenting performances, Silkroad cooperates with museums and universities to develop training programs for teachers, musicians, and learners of all ages. Through his work with Silkroad, he frequently performs lesser-known music.

Besides, he partners with communities and institutions to develop programs that champion culture’s power to transform lives and create a more connected world. Among his many roles, he is artistic director of the annual Youth Music Culture Guangdong festival, a UN Messenger of Peace, and the first artist ever appointed to the World Economic Forum’s board of trustees.

When the pandemic began, Yo-Yo began an online series titled “Songs of Comfort” to ease anxieties. His short, self-shot videos soon reached over 18 million people. On March 13, 2021, after receiving the 2nd COVID-19 shot, he transformed a clinic into a temporary concert hall, in a moment that residents called a symbolic representation of “the light at the end of the tunnel”.

Yo-Yo Ma once said every generation has a chance to do better, to create a world that works for all. To him, doing better begins with culture—the point at which the arts, sciences, and society cross.

【小题1】The underlined word “testament” in Paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to “________”.

A．thought

B．proof

C．invitation

D．reaction

【小题2】What do we know about Silkroad from the text?

A．It offered music trainings independently.

B．It was set up by museums and universities.

C．It benefited traditional and unpopular music.

D．It was intended to create more musical forms.

【小题3】Which of the following best describes Yo-Yo Ma?

A．Fair and determined.

B．Humorous and smart.

C．Generous and traditional.

D．Open-minded and positive.

【小题4】What’s the best title for the text?

A．Music Knows No Boundaries.

B．Music Matters to Build a Connected World.

C．Yo-Yo Ma: Dream and Hope Make One Artist Innovator.

D．Yo-Yo Ma: Pathway to a Better World Begins with Culture.