Appointed by Music Director Gianandrea Noseda in 2018, Lin Ma is the principal clarinetist of the National Symphony Orchestra. He joined the NSO following a distinguished tenure as a member of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, where he served as assistant principal and E-flat clarinetist. Beyond his resident roles, he has also performed as guest principal clarinetist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

Originally from Hunan, China, Ma began his musical training on the alto saxophone at age nine before dedicating himself to the clarinet two years later. After initial studies at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing with Yuanfu Huang, he moved to the United States to study with Yehuda Gilad at the Idyllwild Arts Academy. Ma earned his Bachelor of Music from the Oberlin Conservatory under Richard Hawkins, followed by a Master’s degree and Artist Diploma from Rice University under the tutelage of Richie Hawley. His professional career launched in earnest in 2014 when, a year prior to graduation, he received a one-year contract with the Houston Symphony and appeared as soloist in Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No. 2.

In 2023, Ma co-founded the Meridian Clarinet Quartet with three other principal clarinetists from prominent orchestras across the United States. The Quartet has since performed and given masterclasses in the US and abroad, most recently traveling to Taiwan for their first international tour. Together they showcase the highest level of clarinet playing, commission new works, and foster the next generation of talented clarinetists.

A Buffet Crampon artist, Ma performs exclusively on Buffet Crampon clarinets and Vandoren products. He currently resides in Vienna, Virginia, with his wife and daughter.