Emanuel Ax, piano & Yo-Yo Ma, cello
Public on-sale begins on August 11, 2026.
Ticket price to be announced. Student tickets always $11. Eligible for CLE Credit.
“In the early 1970s, two Juilliard students met… their friendship has spanned almost half a century.” – Your Classical Radio
To be in the room when Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax perform together is to witness a musical relationship shaped by more than four decades of friendship, trust, and curiosity. Ax has described their collaboration as one in which the music leads and the musicians follow. Their performances carry an ease and intimacy that only comes from years of listening closely to one another, responding in the moment, and returning again and again to the joy of making music together.
What makes this collaboration remarkable is not simply technical mastery. It is the sense of connection that runs through every note. Audiences can hear it in the way one musician follows the other’s lead, anticipates a phrase, or finds space for an unexpected idea to emerge.
Both artists are familiar faces at Carolina Performing Arts; Ma through multiple appearances with the Silkroad Ensemble and Ax through recitals and orchestral performances. Experiencing them together offers a rare opportunity to witness two lifelong friends in conversation through music.
Why We’re Presenting This
Because it’s Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax.
But if you’d like to know a little more…
At its best, music reminds us that listening is an act of connection. For decades, Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax have demonstrated this. Their partnership is built on the belief shared with Carolina Performing Arts that music creates connection – between performers, between audiences, and across communities.
Ma has long championed music as a way of bringing people together across cultures and experiences, while Ax has invested deeply in mentoring and supporting the next generation of musicians, including UNC-Chapel Hill students.
Presenting them together celebrates a remarkable musical partnership that offers audiences the opportunity to experience something increasingly valuable: two people listening deeply, responding thoughtfully, and creating something meaningful together. Their music reminds us of the power of attention and human connection.
Event Details
- Runtime: to be announced
- Late seating policy: to be announced
- Additional information: visit our FAQ page
About the Artists
Discount Information
We offer several discounts for CPA series performances only. Partner and rental events are not eligible.
Important Notes
- Discounts must be applied at the time of purchase and cannot be added retroactively.
- Only one discount can be used per order.
- Enter discount code before adding tickets to cart.*
UNC-Chapel Hill Students
$11 ticketsZones 3, 4 & 5
UNC-Chapel Hill Faculty & Staff
25% offUNCRET2627 Retired faculty/staff
UNC Health Staff
25% offCarolina Alumni Members
15% offSeniors (65+)
15% offNon-UNC Students
K–College, statewide
$11 ticketsZones 3, 4 & 5
Military & First Responders
15% off*We reserve the right to cancel tickets that do not follow these guidelines.