He said Sweet Caroline singer Diamond had "created one of the most enduring catalogues of American popular music" and called Ma "one of the most versatile and popular classical music performers in the world".

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Before Mr. Adolphe could correct the music, however, Mr. Ma decided to rehearse the composition in his dorm room.

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He's written violin concertos and chamber music performed by some of today's top classical musicians, such as Yo-Yo Ma, Renee Fleming and the Eroica Trio.

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