In the classical music world, Yo-Yo Ma is known not only for his unmatched mastery of the cello but also for his gracious personality and ability to avoid controversy. So when he was unexpectedly asked in an interview, “Is there anyone in the industry you don’t like?”, most assumed he would politely sidestep the question.
Instead, Yo-Yo Ma smiled, leaned forward, and replied: “Oh yes… five of them.”
The studio went silent as he began to unveil his list — not with venom or grudges, but with witty “love-hate” anecdotes about some of his most respected colleagues.
No. 5: Lang Lang. “I hate him because he plays the piano so fast that by the time I’ve finished one cello note, he’s already done with the whole passage. Playing with him feels like trying to catch a bullet train.”
No. 4: Itzhak Perlman. “I hate Itzhak because he always outshines me with backstage stories. Audiences end up laughing at his jokes instead of noticing I’m warming up.”
No. 3: André Rieu. “He turns every concert into a festival. I come prepared for a serious performance, and somehow I’m waltzing in the middle of the stage. And the worst part? The audience loves it.”
No. 2: Joshua Bell. “I hate him because he can make an entire hall fall completely silent with just a short violin solo. I have to play an entire concerto to get that kind of effect.”
No. 1: Renée Fleming. Yo-Yo Ma put on a mock-serious tone: “I hate Renée because her singing is so beautiful I forget my part entirely. More than once, I’ve almost put my bow down just to listen.”
The audience roared with laughter, but beneath the humour was a clear message: these were artists Yo-Yo Ma deeply admired. He quickly added: “Of course, this list can change… if any of them take me out for a really good dinner.”
The interview clip went viral, with thousands of comments pouring in: “This is the sweetest hate list I’ve ever seen” and “Only Yo-Yo Ma could turn such a tricky question into pure comedy while still showing genuine respect.”
For a man who has performed on the world’s most prestigious stages, Yo-Yo Ma doesn’t need a “hate list” to stir up headlines. But with his intelligence, humour, and charm, he turned a potentially awkward question into a standing ovation-worthy moment — one that not only entertained, but also quietly celebrated the fellow musicians who have shaped his remarkable journey.