In partnership with National Central Library, National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), National Kaohsiung Center for the arts (Weiwuying), and Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA), the Taiwan Music Institute of the National Center for Traditional Arts (NCFTA) has launched a series of concerts and exhibitions to mark the 10th anniversary of the passing of renowned composer Ma Shui-long (馬水龍), celebrating Ma’s exceptional musical works and art pieces.
Born in Keelung in 1939, Ma studied composition at the National Taiwan Academy of Arts (now the National Taiwan University of Arts) before earning a full scholarship to the University of Regensburg in Germany in 1972. He later served as the founding director of the Music Department at Taipei National University of the Arts and eventually as the university’s president. He passed away in 2015.
At a press conference on Mar. 25, NCFTA Director Chen Yueh-i (陳悅宜) highlighted the deep connection between Ma’s diverse compositions and his love for his homeland. She also emphasized his talent for sketching, which will be featured in a parallel exhibition.
Ju Tzong-ching (朱宗慶), Emeritus Professor at Taipei National University of the Arts, expressed his gratitude for Ma’s mentorship, noting that his vision of integrating tradition with innovation profoundly shaped Taiwan’s artistic landscape.
Starting from March to November, the commemoration of the composer encompasses three parts: concerts, exhibitions, and TNUA events.
(Photo credit: Taiwan Music Institute of National Center for Traditional Arts)