Renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble arrived in Taipei Wednesday for a performance tour of three cities from April 22-25. They will also hold two workshops at which they will share their experience and expertise with local musicians. One of the workshops is geared specifically toward young people in the 12-18 age group. The concerts, to be held in Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung, will feature a repertoire that includes Ahmet Adnan Saygun: Partita, Opus 31, Allegretto; Persian Traditional: Ascending Bird; and Chinese Traditional: White Snow in the Sunny Spring. Ma started The Silk Road Project, a non-profit artistic, cultural and educational organization, 10 years ago. 'During this time, we have been to Taiwan, Korean, Egypt and many other countries. In these travels, we feel more part of the world and more human,' Ma said at a press conference Wednesday. The aim of the project is to promote innovation and learning through the arts, he said. 'The best students are teachers, the best teachers are students, and I think that the best thing is to share our passions, ' Ma said. The Silk Road Ensemble was established with the participation of internationally renowned performers and composers from more than 20 countries. The instrumental voices include piano, violin, pipa, erhu and many others. According to the ensemble, the goals of its virtuoso musicians are to nurture global connections while maintaining the integrity of art rooted in an authentic tradition. One of the ensemble members, Chinese musician Wu Tong who plays the sheng and bawu, said the experience of working with Ma since 2000 has changed his life. According to Wu, he was rock singer but after he met Ma he started to try different genres of music. In the process, he learned about tolerance and understanding, he said. Wu also thanked Taiwan for sending medical and relief aid to the quake-affected area of Qinghai in China. He promised to bring the best quality music to the people of Taiwan. The concerts will be held at National Concert Hall, Taipei April 22; Fulfill Amphitheatre, Taichung April 24; and at Jhihde Hall, Kaohsiung April 25. 