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Ma Sicong (1913-1987)

(chinadaily.com.cn) Update:2016-09-23

Ma Sicong, born in 1913 in Haifeng, Guangdong province, was a Chinese violinist and composer. He was known in China as "The King of Violinists."

Ma's Nostalgia, composed in 1937 as part of the Inner Mongolia Suite, is considered one of the most popular pieces of 20th century Chinese music.

During his youth, Ma went to Paris to study music, and was subsequently admitted to the Conservatoire de Paris, majoring in violin. In early 1932, Ma returned to China.

Ma Sicong in the 1970s. [Photo provided to China Daily]

He gave concerts in Chinese cities including Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Nanjing. His music was "mesmerizing, and uplifting", and "brought the audience to new levels of excitement and tranquility".

In the following period he composed many renowned pieces such as Lullaby, Inner Mongolia suite, Tone Poem of Tibet, and Madrigal. Ma was appointed president of the newly established Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing by the government of the People's Republic of China in December 1949.

The Ma Sicong museum of musical arts was opened in 2002. It is located in the Guangzhou Museum of Art in Guangzhou, China.