MA Sicong

Born in Haifeng, Guangdong province, May 7, 1912 
Died in Philadelphia, May 20, 1987 

Note: the composer’s surname is Ma and his given name is Sicong.

A guide for pronouncing Chinese names

• Ma studied violin and composition in France, and served on the faculties of conservatories in China, including his position as head of the Central Conservatory from 1950 until the mid 1960s. 
• Ma emigrated to the United States in 1966 to escape persecution during Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution. 
• Ma’s works include symphonies, a ballet, and patriotic songs.¹

Biographical article from ArtsJournal 

1. Jonathan P.J. Stock, “Ma Sicong,” Grove Music Online (2001), accessed July 1, 2021, https://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/grovemusic/view/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-0000049315.