While all of us are hunkered down in our homes and self isolating due to COVID-19, we are finding different ways to distract ourselves from all the chaos. Some of us are binge watching shows, while others are reading that book we’ve had on our shelf for too long. But for a lot of us, the most calming element in a time of disruption is, and always will be, music.
It’s with this fact in mind that world-renowned classical musician Yo-Yo Ma has been sharing videos of himself performing short pieces, and encouraging other musicians around the world to do the same. Appropriately enough, he’s calling this whole initiative “Songs of Comfort.” The first song he performed was Dvořák’s “Going Home,” which you can watch down below:
In these days of anxiety, I wanted to find a way to continue to share some of the music that gives me comfort. The first of my #SongsOfComfort: Dvořák – "Going Home”
— Yo-Yo Ma (@YoYo_Ma) March 13, 2020
Stay safe. pic.twitter.com/S28w6OlXiZ
Yo-Yo Ma isn’t the only live classical musician you can stream online, however. The New York Metropolitan Opera is offering online streaming of past performances after circumstances forced them to shut down. Mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato and tenor Piotr Beczala live-streamed a nearly two hour performance straight from their own homes.
In the world of pop music, Pink performed “Make You Feel My Love” on the piano via livestream for her fans. The pop star performed the often-covered classic Bob Dylan song as an uplifting gift for legion of fans. 
Coldplay’s Chris Martin has also performed a mini concert from his home for fans. Martin set up a half-hour live-stream for his 11 million followers, taking song requests from fans. The whole mini-concert was done in partnership with the World Health Organization and Global Citizen. The initiative, called Together At Home has also garnered support from artists like Charlie Puth, Niall Horan, and Common.
And John Legend promoted the importance of social distancing while still managing to give fans a nearly one hour concert.
Social distancing is important, but it doesn't have to be boring. @miguel @charlieputh - you want next?
— John Legend (@johnlegend) March 18, 2020
Learn about actions you can take to help slow the spread of coronavirus with our partners at @WHO and @GlblCtzn https://t.co/uDs3G7kO7B #TogetherAtHome https://t.co/fHkBbsF8e6
With almost every well-known musician canceling concerts for safety reasons, this has proven to be a great way to continue reaching fans—and lifting us up in very trying times.
Featured Image: Yo-Yo Ma
