Renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma will join the Chicago Symphony Orchestra next month as a creative consultant.

Ma’s three-year residency is seen by some as an ambitious move by the CSO to attract a wider and younger audience. In a statement, CSO Association President Deborah Rutter says Ma’s appointment will help “provide greater access for the broadest audience possible.”

This isn’t the first time Ma has taken a residency in Chicago. In 2006, the cellist came to the city with his Silk Road Project, which aims to promote cross-cultural programs and collaborations with museums and universities. As creative consultant for the CSO, Ma will be responsible for developing new programs designed for young musicians.