Disadvantaged youth learn from a master, Ma

American cellist Yo-Yo Ma works with members of the Onnuri Chamber Sarang Orchestra yesterday at the Seoul Art Center in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul. Provided by the company

Hyosung Group, a major chemical company, said it sponsored a special music class yesterday for about 80 disabled children and teenagers from low-income families with cellist Yo-Yo Ma at the Seoul Art Center in Seocho-dong, southern Seoul.

“Silk Road Ensemble With Yo-Yo Ma” was the third event since the company established its social service initiative in 2010. The cellist works with young people who are members of the Onnuri Sarang Chamber Orchestra that was established in 1999. On Oct. 21, Hyosung Group decided to support a series of programs for the Onnuri orchestra, including a music field trip and buying new instruments.

“I’m very happy to provide an opportunity for these children to meet a famed cellist like Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble,” said Executive Vice President Cho Hyun-sang. “The company will keep trying to help children like Onnuri members have more cultural activities in the future.”

Cho organized the event in 2010 after discovering that his wife, who is a violist for the Silk Road Ensemble, was friends with Ma.

BY KWON SANG-SOO [sakwon80@joongang.co.kr]