SoNA
Symphony of Northwest Arkansas
A Very SoNA Christmas Additional Bios Saturday, December 6, 2025 — 2PM & 7:30 PM Baum Walker Hall / Walton Arts Center Jack Cleghorn, Guest Conductor
Nathan Ma Violin
Nathan Ma, a senior at Haas Hall Academy, is a dedicated violinist who has developed a deep passion for music through years of study and performance. He has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Meyerson Symphony Center as a member of the National Youth Orchestra 2 (NYO2) and served as the 2025 Arkansas All-State First Chair Violinist. Nathan is a three-time All-Region and two-time All-State honoree. He has performed in the Arkansas Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and now plays with the University of Arkansas Chamber Orchestra, continuing to refine his craft as a musician. Beyond performance, Nathan leads a nonprofit organization that brings live music to memory care centers, combining compassion with creativity. He also enjoys discovering new restaurants and volunteering with nonprofits, hospitals, and his church. Nathan expresses heartfelt thanks to Er-Gene Kahng, Holly Smardo, Traci Hall, his parents, and everyone who has supported his musical journey.