"...the lead violin (Slattery) in particular produced a throaty sound like a croaking frog, echoed by the other players, and especially the viola (John Ma) in the succeeding (even sillier if anything) Adagio."

Writer: Sandra Bowdler; Photo: Keith Saunders 

Bachtrack (15th June 2026)

"The gentle central movement was charming. As John Ma’s viola quietly evoked distant frog calls beneath the solo lines, the music conjured an almost pastoral scene: I imagined lying in a green field full of wildflowers, listening to a frog croaking somewhere nearby. It was tender and playful.

Writer: Pepe Newton; Photo: 

ClassikON (13th June 2026)

"...an exquisite, measured performance by strings of Christoph Graupner’s Le Desire (1731). I have been playing... on repeat since being introduced to it by John Ma and Salut! Strings."

Writer: Paul Nolan; Photo: Salut!Baroque

Sydney Arts Guide (29th April 2026)

"Special mention to violinist, John Ma, who was particularly captivating, performing with a physical expressiveness that made it seem as though he was fully inhabiting the music."

Writer: Xavier Bichon; Photo: Salut!Baroque

2MBS (27th April 2026)

"..a gentle solo from violinist John Ma sat above pizzicato strings and theorbo — understated and beautifully shaped."

Writer: Pepe Newton; Photo: Salut!Baroque

ClassikON (27th April 2026)

"One very pleasurable aspect of the presentation was the very dance-like appearance of one of the musicians, John Ma. He played his Baroque violin not just with arms, hands and fingers, but with his whole body. As well as producing an outstanding sound, Ma moved his body according to the sound he was producing, up, down, sideways and so on. He was stunning to watch (and hear). A dancer-musician!"

Writer: Michelle Potter; Photo: Salut!Baroque

Canberra CityNews (24th April 2026)

"John and Marie are our locals but I pinch myself when I say it. Like many who spend time studying and performing in European music circles, they are wonderful, informed and skilled but they are here and super friendly and helpful and open."

"A concert with John is a fireside chat with delicious music."

"All played with skill but also knowledge and joy. What a pleasure!"

Writer: Eric Pozza; Photo: Eric Pozza

Canberra Jazz Blog (5th March 2026)

"These moments continued the fine, precise and warm blend of the recorder troupe, and was an intimate showcase of the upper strings, including leadership of all strings from Salut! Baroque’s regular John Ma."

"The final work presented especially showed Ma’s passionate and grainy string gesturing and commendable shaping of the complex episodes of filigree. One other collaboration with the final storytelling moment of the afternoon. Ma exchanged gestures and charismatic, dramatic playing with Anna Stegmann"

Writer: Paul Nolan; Photo: Salut!Baroque

Sydney Arts Guide (4th February 2026)

"We know we are in the territory of rustic chaconnes when the piece begins with percussive strumming... John Ma’s feverish use of vibrato matched the rustic feel very well."

Writer: Aryan Mohseni; Photo: Salut!Baroque

Canberra CityNews (2nd February 2026)

"One doesn’t normally associate the term flamboyant with violas, but in this case these three stood out, led by Karina Schmitz. John Ma demonstrated his versatility by swapping from violin to viola as required."

"... a different sound world from all the others, with the violas again being uncharacteristically charismatic."

Writer: Sandra Bowdler; Photo: Keith Saunders 

Bachtrack (17th November 2025)

"Finely led by Karina Schmitz, she is joined by John Ma in the catch-me-if-you-can whirlwind of the violas"

Writer: Shamistha de Soysa; Photo: 

Sounds like Sydney (17th November 2025)

"...it was clear that Ma and Searles were having immense fun with this music..."

"this summery afternoon’s beautifully assembled and precisely executed performance finished

....sweet and longing in minor mode, in the style of variations around a central melody, complete with a final mischievous, improvised flourish"

Writer: Michael Wilson; Photo: Dalice Trost

Canberra CityNews (3rd November 2025)

"The regular trio of violins with viola put in some notably athletic and eloquent work..."

"John Ma’s violin contribution to the non-choral version of the chorale from JS Bach’s cantata Wachet auf ruft uns die Stimme (BWV140) was noteworthy. His rendition of the string accompaniment as a single line showed impressive stamina and was exquisitely shaped."

Writer: Paul Nolan; Photo: Salut!Baroque

Sydney Arts Guide (30th October 2025)

"...energiser bunny..

"He led the ensemble with incredible vigour and an obvious excitement in every aspect of his playing. This passion translated to the audience who bopped along to stirring Menuets as if attending a concert by Pink. It was a constant delight to experience the joy evident in his music making"

Writer: Ian McLean Photo: Dalice Trost

Canberra CityNews (7th September 2025)

"... lively expert in an earlier period of Western music"

"...John has a way as a director-audience-communicator, introducing the works with generous and humourous backgrounding"

"

Writer: Eric Pozza Photo: Eric Pozza

Canberra Jazz Blog (9th September 2025)

"John Ma on violin gave colour with his usual liking for a little scordatura to give a bit of edge to the otherwise orthodox harmonies."

"...a fiery dialogue between John Ma and Sarah Papadopoulos on violins..."

"Undoubtedly the finest solo was by Ma, who has a penchant for colourful ornamentations and a playful use of all the potential of the fingerboard."

Writer: Aryan Mohseni Photo: Salut!Baroque

State of the Arts (22nd July 2025)

"...exquisite blend and thoughtful, intricate dialoguing..."

Writer: Paul Nolan Photo: Salut!Baroque

Sydney Arts Guide (22nd July 2025)

"...beautiful movement and energy, and amazing precision... subtly directed by first violin John Ma, they concluded with joyous dramatic bravado..."

"baroque gypsies appeared for the finale... featuring John Ma’s raw, guttural and pathos-filled improvisations on violin."

Writer: Michael Wilson Photo: Salut!Baroque

Limelight (20th July 2025)

"And John Ma was there as orchestra leader and it was clear to see the respect for his interpretations and leadership amongst the performers. John is MD for the next Musica da Camera concert and I'm learning tons of the baroque spirit and instrumental interpretation as we speak. We are lucky to have John and such Euro-experienced musicians in our midst when they quite often return."

Writer: Eric Pozza  Photo: Eric Pozza

Canberra Jazz Blog (19th July 2025)

"These pieces, dusty in the archives but brought vividly to life, felt like gifts, and the musicians’ delight in unearthing and sharing them was infectious."

Writer: Pepe Newton; Photo: Pepe Newton

ClassikON (23rd March 2025)

"...consistently fiery and lively performance on violin... a delicious glassy effect... sheer virtuosity"

"Ma dispatched fiery improvised cadences and his dynamic control was on full display as he made a single note traverse the entire dynamic range."

Writer: Aryan Mohseni; Photo: Salut!Baroque 

State of the Arts (13th April 2025)

"...lush, expressive contrasts in tempo and texture. The languid glissandi and sorrowful suspensions painted the picture of Arianna’s legendary tears, each phrase unfolding like a dramatic lament."

Writer: Pepe Newton; Photo: Salut!Baroque 

ClassikON (3rd February 2025)

"Our introduction to Johann Janitsch’s ‘Adagio ma non Troppo’ from Quadro "O haupt voll Blutt Blut und Wunden" offered an exquisite moment of conversation between John Ma (baroque violin) and Brad Tham(baroque viola)."

Writer: Paul Nolan; Photo: Salut!Baroque 

Sydney Arts Guide (13th October 2024)

"The ever-energetic John Ma gave percussive effect by stamping his feet while leading from the violin."

"Ma’s trills in the Adagio were incredibly sharp and the Allegro had a toe-tapping finale. The final movement had a staccato, pointed ending."

"Ma then took melodic lead in Bach’s Air on a G string."

Writer: Aryan Mohseni; Photo: Salut!Baroque 

State of the Arts (SOTA) (12th October 2024)

"With John Ma on first violin, acting like a solo instrumentalist, he led as the others repeated and followed. An energetic work mixed with the slowest of sad songs created a harmonious balance of sound.."

Writer: Rob Kennedy; Photo: Peter Hislop 

CBR CityNews (11th October 2024)

"I'd heard of the importance of the bow... but the way he made it speak spoke wonders..."

"In that bow was such expression, delicacy, rhythm and note groupings, volume and dynamics. It expressed the essence of what the music was saying..."

"...what I heard from that bow was the revelation of the day. Now I understand."

Writer: Eric Pozza; Photo: Eric Pozza 

Canberra Jazz Blog (23rd May 2024)

"The third movement was particularly exhilarating and John Ma gave a stormy solo. He played a note with extreme portamento at one point; the performers’ expression let us in on the joke."

Writer: Aryan Mohseni; Photo: Peter Hislop 

State of the Art (SOTA) (12th May 2024)

"The music was lively and passionate, and especially the interlocking polyphonic viola lines which sit atop a strong continuo of two gambas, violoncello, violone and harpsichord. The allegro, which is stately and in a dance-like compound time was particularly enjoyable."

Writer: Dante Costa; Photo: Peter Hislop 

Canberra CityNews (5th May 2024)

"The sparseness of the opening Adagio gave the principal violin the chance to breathe and for John Ma to do what he does best – subtle, almost vocal, flourishes that make the violin sing.."

"Ma’s playing was characteristically lively."

"John Ma and Ella Bennetts on violins stood out with their use of the entire expressive range of their instruments"

Writer: Aryan Mohseni; Photo: Salut! Baroque 

State of the Art (SOTA) (28th August 2023)

"Violinists John Ma and Ella Bennetts demonstrated the successful expressive resourcefulness of Salut! Baroque as they delivered the drama and some well-sculptured voice leading"

Writer: Paul Nolan; Photo: Salut! Baroque 

Sydney Arts Guide (22nd August 2023)

"John Ma’s expressive abilities on the violin are matchless, and he interspersed his playing with gushing but selective hints of vibrato."

"...a lively discourse between Ma and Easton at her best."

Writer: Aryan Mohseni; Photo: Bach Akademie Australia 

State of the Art (SOTA) (3rd July 2023)

JOHN MA PLAYS THE VIOLIN, VIOLA AND VIOLA D’AMORE, SPECIALISING IN EARLY MUSIC

As well as the Canberra Symphony, John has performed with leading Australian and international ensembles, including Pinchgut Opera, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Australian Bach Akademie, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Ageof Enlightenment and AcademiaMontis Regalis.

Together with his wife, pianist Marie Searles, John recently launched Canberra-based Early Music ensemble Apeiron Baroque. Outsideof music, John is an avid gamer, amateur horticulturalist, comic book enthusiast and self-identified tech-nerd.... 

Writer:; Photo: Martin Ollman 

CSO Rest Magazine (21st June 2023)

"...showcased a group of exceptionally skilled baroque musicians.... John Ma’s precise and expressive violin... joyful tempo and playful melodies, it was a jubilant finale which the quartet obviously enjoyed playing"

Writer: Pepe Newton; Photo: Australian Digital Concert Hall 

classikON (17th June 2023)

"The fast violin solos were played like a shimmering flash of light by John Ma."

"John Ma seemed to revel in leading the fiery instrumental introduction.."

Writer: Aryan Mohseni; Photo: Salut! Baroque 

State of the Art (SOTA) (28th April 2023)

"Ma gave entertaining introductions to the works throughout the concert, presenting facts of interest about their lives and works, often with humorous anecdotes in a friendly, relaxed style."

Writer: Len Power; Photo: Hayley Manning 

Canberra Citynews (26th March 2023)

"Equally masterful were Tim Willis and John Ma on violas d’amore, which set the scene for the Erwage."

Writer: Aryan Mohseni; Photo: Muffat Collective 

State of the Art (SOTA) (24th March 2023)

"John Ma was spectacular on the viola d’amore... featured a delightful dialogue between John Ma and Ella Bennetts on baroque violin and Heather Lloydon viola."

"The gradual crescendos in this piece were thrilling, as was John Ma’s performance on Baroque violin, which had vibrato interspersed tastefully to give a shining song-like effect."

Writer: Aryan Mohseni; Photo: Salut! Baroque 

State of the Art (SOTA) (25th February 2023)

"John Ma exudes infectious enthusiasm and joy for what he does. His introductory talks were both informative and entertaining. His explaination of the viola d'amore... was fascinating"

"The audience was enthralled"

Writer: ; Photo:  

Upper Lachlan Gazette #66 (23rd November 2022)

"When you get a musical director and violinist as much fun as John Ma, a concert can’t fail to be enjoyable."

"He has his own refreshing take on the music to be played and describes it in amusing and accessible terms. Watching him playing his instrument and leading the orchestra is to see a man who obviously loves what he does and wants to communicate that to his audience."

"The busy first and third movements of the concerto were played with gusto and the second largo movement was most memorable with the viola d’amore’s haunting sound rising so appealingly above the orchestra."

Writer: Len Power; Photo: Peter Hislop  

CBR CityNews (13th November 2022)

"...obviously enjoying himself on stage."

"...a most impressive first concert for this duo. This might well be the start of some very interesting music making in Canberra and I look forward to hearing what they do next."

Writer: Graham McDonald; Photo: Graham McDonald  

CBR CityNews (14th November 2022)

"...featured a delightfully virtuosic cadenza by John Ma on baroque viola with an infectious energy."

Writer: Aryan Mohseni; Photo: Salut! Baroque 

State of the Art (SOTA) (17th August 2022)

"The Alle Breve was vibrant and explosive, throbbingly vibrant in its circular repetitive structure, while the Adagio ma non tanto was pensive, slower and profound. The Allegro was bright and snappy with an emphatic repeated beat and melody.."

"

Writer: Lynne Lancaster; Photo: Australian Digital Concert Hall 

Sydney Arts Guide (15th June 2022)

"“Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 BWV 1051” opened with a lively and bright first movement before moving into a slower second and finishing on a bouncing, joyous third movement dominated by the pairings of the harpsichord and Anthea Cottee’s cello and the playful violas played by Karina Schmitz and John Ma. The energy of this performance was high and it was wonderful to see the rhythm so infect the players as to bring smiles to their playing faces."

"

Writer: ; Photo: Australian Digital Concert Hall 

NightWrites (14th June 2022)

"A joy to hear Karina Schmitz and John Ma on violas and to enjoy their excellent rhetoric and sparring against each other and then against the ensemble."

"...a rollicking finish to the first half of the concert."

"

Writer: Jacqui Smith; Photo: Australian Digital Concert Hall 

classikON (13th June 2022)

"...the two viole da braccio get a play date, with string ripieno joining in their games. The slow movement, played by the two violas alone with continuo, was beautifully realised by Schmitz, leading the ensemble, and Ma. They gave free reign to the unbridled joy of this music, eminently palpable in the thrumming third movement Allegro"

"

Writer: Shamistha de Soysa; Photo: Australian Digital Concert Hall 

Limelight (11th June 2022)

"John Ma und Prisca Stalmarski lassen mit leuchtend klarem Ton ihre Violinen funkeln..."

"John Ma and Prisca Stalmarski let their violins sparkle with a bright, clear tone..."

Writer: Dr. Christiane Bayer

magazin.klassik.com (6th November 2009)