Yo-Yo Ma (photo by Todd Rosenberg)

Yo-Yo Ma, one of the world’s most celebrated musicians, and members from the Silk Road Ensemble will give a free talk on the intersection of arts and public life Feb. 26 at UNC.

The conversation at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall will be moderated by Emil Kang, Carolina Performing Arts’ executive and artistic director, following opening remarks from Karen M. Gil, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Ma’s multi-faceted career is testament to his continual search for new ways to communicate with audiences. As an appointed United Nations Messenger of Peace, Ma has organized teaching and mentoring programs, inspiring students across the world to love and honor music.

Admission to the event is free, but tickets will be required. (Please note that Yo-Yo Ma is not scheduled to perform at the Feb. 26 lecture, but will perform Feb. 27 as part of Carolina Performing Arts’ season. For information and to reserve tickets, visit carolinaperformingarts.org.)

Ma comes to campus as the Frey Foundation Distinguished Visiting Professor.

The Frey Foundation Professorship was established in 1989 in the College to bring distinguished leaders from government, public policy, international affairs and the arts to campus. UNC alumnus David Gardner Frey chairs the foundation.