Carlin Ma Media

17/07/2025

Amidst the summer heat, here’s a special, icy gem! I’m so thrilled to share my new music video, filmed in an Alaskan glacial ice cave with live sound capture by Eric Silberger (as violinist AND recording engineer). It’s aways an adventure to work with Eric (whom I've known since 4th grade) combining our mutual passion for pushing boundaries, music, and film.

Imagine hearing Bach beautifully refract and amplify from the ice crystals, while a hushed carpet of glacial river roar echoing underneath. It was as if time suspended, falling between the lyrical lines of the pre-historic ice, to the soft counterpoint of centuries-old Bach, to our current performance resonating in the space.

Huge thanks to Tim Duerinck, the inventor of these new flax fiber instruments that can withstand extreme temperatures (better than our fingers.... ).

Hearty shout out to my partner-in-crime, Sam Paris for co-directing and co-producing this project, keeping everyone sane and organized! Also, much gratitudes to Jill SpiceGirl Rosholt and Scott Swingle for their generous hospitality, research, and adventurous spirit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goI8deEOL5w

Co-Directed and Filmed by Carlin Ma
Co-Directed by: Sam Paris
Audio Recorded Live by: Eric Silberger
Instrument: http://www.bit.ly/4nOz19K
From the same series, here's the cello with Joshua Nakazawa - https://youtu.be/RAWwbaERf04

http://www.bit.ly/46dExN0 🎻Flax Fiber Luthier Tim DuerinckPerforming in the heart of the Icelandic volcano Thrihnukagigur, I felt the sound reverberate, alm...

07/06/2025

After waiting 3 decades to see the northern lights, what a treat to see it 3 times in Washington this last year. Here's from the recent showing last weekend!

Many ask whether you could actually see it with your naked eye... yes! When a bright flare slowly snakes its way across the sky, it brightens the night like a soft moonlight, with its reflection dancing on the still waters.

05/06/2025

New Yorkers! If you’re interested in a photoshoot or to meet up June 12 - 15, let me know! Looking forward!

09/05/2025

Love it, when my photographs are used with such good design! It also always brings me joy, capturing people as they grow up! I first met Isabel during her graduation from SFCM and was able to reconnect with her during a recent SF visit on a super fun shoot.

Best wishes to Isabel on an epic recital program!

We're excited to announce Isabel's Senior Recital on May 18th at 7:30PM! Come join and invite a friend 🙂

PC:

28/03/2025

Super excited to have joining Seattle Symphony a fearless, yet deeply human leader, Xian Zhang! I was humbled to capture her new headshots for the Symphony, as she was always authentic and open in spirit, without a hint of pretense. I'm excited to have my photos launch the new story of SSO!

THE NEXT CHAPTER BEGINS WITH MUSIC DIRECTOR XIAN ZHANG.
🖼️ Stroll through a musical art gallery with Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition.
🌈 Experience Qigang Chen's musical depiction of Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow.
7️⃣ Hear the orchestra's first performances of Mahler's Seventh Symphony in two decades.
🎹 Explore Gershwin's musical legacy, featuring Hélène Grimaud performing Concerto in F.
🎇 Revel in Beethoven's jubilant Ninth Symphony, featuring the iconic "Ode to Joy," to conclude Xian's first season.

Learn more about the 2025/2026 season and subscribe now: seattlesymphony.org/subscribe

📸: Carlin Ma

10/12/2024

So excited to have "Mother," my interdisciplinary documentary now streaming! It features my film juxtaposed with live chamber music performances with Emerald City Music, curated by Artistic Director, Kristin Lee.

The documentary is the search to understand who we are because of our Mothers, as we recognize inherited patterns and decide whether to grasp or let go of moments. From touching to painful, the stories feature people from all walks of life across age, class, and culture. Here's a link to the trailer (1st minute of the documentary). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asx4L3gr1Yk&t=

To experience the full film, sign up for Emerald TV at this link for a $13 monthly pass. You’ll also have archival access to all their concerts.

I'm so delighted to share this with you! Feel free to share your thoughts afterwards, as I hope this piece creates meaningful conversations and reflections.

17/05/2024

Last Friday, my ultimate dream came true... capturing Northern Lights (and being able to see it with the naked eye)!! More photos to come later, but here's one of my favorites!

Watching the lights, one could sense the violent beauty of the solar activity interacting with Earth's magnetic sphere. Splashes of light painting across the sky. Flickering fields dancing at a cosmic scale. Us tiny humans, wondering when stars will reclaim our dust...
.. and speaking of dreams realizing, so excited for my documentary premiere, "Mother" with Emerald City Music tonight and tomorrow!! If you're around, come join us at 8pm (Seattle) or tomorrow 7:30 pm (Olympia)!

Trailer - https://bit.ly/3V48bxW
Ticket link - https://www.emeraldcitymusic.org/calendar

08/05/2024

My debut film documentary, Mother, is premiering next week! I am beyond excited, grateful, and humbled for this opportunity with Emerald City Music!

The documentary is the search to understand who we are because of our Mothers, as we recognize inherited patterns and decide whether to grasp or let go of moments. The stories are told directly by people from all classes, cultures, and ages.

The film will be juxtaposed with live chamber music selections, chosen by renowned violinist and ECM's Artistic Director, Kristin Lee, violinist. This unique format lets the music act as space for reflection and enhancement for each chapter of the film.

Enjoy the trailer preview (first minute of the documentary) below! Hope you enjoy this “creative child” of Kristin and me!

Seattle, WA | 415 Westlake | May 17 @ 8pm
🔗 https://www.emeraldcitymusic.org/season/mother
Olympia, WA | The Capitol Theater | May 18 @ 7:30pm
🔗 https://www.emeraldcitymusic.org/season/mother-olympia
Streaming - Summer 2024
🔗https://www.emeraldcitymusic.org/login

07/05/2024

I am grateful to have created this video piece for Seattle Symphony, documenting their cultural outreach/collaboration with the Indigenous tribes of PNW. Swil Kanim is an eloquent ambassador, being a musician, storyteller, SSO board-member, and most importantly a humble human being. I feel it's really important to tell the stories of the Native Americans here, and I hope this is the first of many.

I'm really glad SSO is genuinely trying to reach out and reach the community as equal collaborators.

Thanks to all who made this possible!

02/01/2024

Happy New Year 2024! Here's to a continued journey of discovery through delights and distresses!!

What a rolicking New Year's Eve Party with Symphony with Kahchun Wong on Beethoven 9, followed by body-bopping electroswing with Good Co Music! Enjoy the highlights!

17/11/2023

Throwback time! Having photographed San Francisco Conservatory of Music for over a decade, it feels like home, every time I go back and photograph. I recently saw these banners in front of their school and realized a SFCM post is long past due... so here are the "behind the scene" photos featured in front of their school, plus bonus ones that I personally love!

01/11/2023

I am so excited to share my first video with Seattle Symphony! I've been photographing for them for years. Their Dia de los Mu***os was a particularly epic Family concert. Kids and families were able to connect with the Mexican culture through food, visual art, arts + crafts, and music. I am thankful to have been able to tell their story!