Yo-Yo Ma performs free concert at Place des Arts Metro

World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma performed a show at Place des Artstoday.

No, the free concert wasnot in one of the venue'ssymphony halls it wasin the Metro station.

A statement on the Chinese-American musician's Facebook page says the show is meant to explore "connections and disconnections in contemporary lives."

The 63-year-old cellist's concert is part of what his website calls a "day of action" that will explore the topic of culture and its role in humanizing technology.

During the performance, Ma spoke to the crowd in Frenchand performed a cello cover of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah,inviting the crowd to sing along.

"I'm sure you all know this song that,for me, it signifies Montreal," said Ma.

MashiAkiyamawas of the 300 people who came out to see Ma perform at the Metro.

Akiyama'sfather was friends with Ma,so he was especially excited to see the great musician live.

"He sort of embodies the passion and the musicianship that transcends generations of people and continues to inspire," he said.

STMChairman PhilippeSchnobbtoldCBCafter the concert that he and his team jumped at the chance to bring the world renowned cellist to the underground audience.

"We want to have that kind of spontaneous event in the Metro, bringing people together to hear music," he said.

Schnobbsaid he picked Ma up from his hotel and the two took the Metro together. Ma said he remembered visiting Montreal as a child, coming to Expo 67 with his father.