I saw Yo-Yo Ma at the Portsmouth Music Hall a year or so ago, and I have several of his recordings. He is a gift to humanity in a sublime, joyous way. I also have a recording of Rostropovich Bach Cello Suites that sends me into the cosmos when I want to travel, but the younger players, don't have names on my immediate radar I'm afraid.
Jacqueline du Pré popped into my head just now too, all because of this thread-- Alisa Wellerstein is mentioned and I just saw an ad for an upcoming performance and I recognized her name! And, of course, Pablo Casals.......