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Creative Pairings

2 min readAug 3, 2025

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I saw Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax and Heather Cox Richardson and live drew them! They were in-conversation at Tanglewood music venue in Massachusetts, and they talked about Beethoven, as well as what it was like in the US at the time he was composing. At its heart, the discussion was about politics and art, the influences between Europe and the new America. It was fascinating. And of course, Yo-Yo and Emanuel played some Beethoven while Heather looked on.

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The current political climate was not explicitly mentioned, but it was in the air, for sure. I can’t recall if it was Heather or Yo-You who made a notable comment that I wrote down. The thought was that that people are much more creative in times of turmoil. I believe that, and felt inspired by their remarks on the importance of the arts in times like these. It got my mind spinning. It’s these kind of pairings — what I watched last night — help spark change. I believe it prompts people to think outside of the box. It challenges us.

Joy and creativity and exploration are central to a thriving democracy.

The venue was packed, and they got a standing ovation at the end.

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Liza Donnelly
Liza Donnelly

Written by Liza Donnelly

Visual journalist/writer for New Yorker. Producer/director of documentary Women Laughing. Looking to change world w humor. https://www.womenlaughingfilm.com/