Yo-Yo Ma to continue work at Chicago Symphony

CARYN ROUSSEAU

CHICAGO (AP) — Famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma will stay on as a creative consultant at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Orchestra officials said Wednesday that Ma is extending his contract through June 2015. Ma accepted a three-year appointment to the newly created position at the symphony in January 2010. He has spent much of his time in Chicago working with the symphony's educational programs.

The Citizen Musician initiative has had Ma perform in Chicago public schools and speak with students.

Ma attended an event earlier this week at Perez Elementary School in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood with famed soprano Renee Fleming.

The creative consultancy also tasks Ma with leading chamber music residencies at the orchestra, advising on programming and performing with the symphony.

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Online:

Chicago Symphony Orchestra: http://www.cso.org