Marimba-Festiva e.V.

Wettbewerb · IMSE · Konzerte - Seminar

Marimba Festiva e.V. (Verein | Association)

MF  @  Home » IKMMA 2025- Marimba Academy » IKMMA 2025 – Review

IKMMA 2025 – Review

International Katarzyna Mycka Marimba Academy – IKMMA 2025 – A Harmonious Celebration of International Marimba Artistry

all participants

Participants of IKMMA 2025

The International Katarzyna Myćka Marimba Academy (IKMMA) 2025 found its perfect home in Essen, Germany, creating an unforgettable chapter in the academy’s prestigious history. This year’s gathering brought together 33 talented participants from 17 countries, with many experiencing Germany’s rich musical landscape for the very first time. The event transformed the industrial heart of the Ruhr region into a vibrant hub of percussion excellence, demonstrating once again how music transcends borders and brings people together.

17 countries
The diversity of this year’s participants was truly remarkable. Musicians arrived from across the globe, representing a tapestry of musical traditions and backgrounds. For many international participants, this marked their inaugural visit to Germany, adding an extra layer of excitement and cultural discovery to their musical journey. The multicultural atmosphere was palpable from the very first day, as participants shared not only their musical expertise but also their unique perspectives and cultural experiences.
The linguistic diversity proved to be one of the academy’s greatest strengths, with instruction delivered in eight different languages. This multilingual approach ensured that language barriers never stood in the way of musical communication and learning. Whether conducting masterclasses, providing individual feedback, or facilitating ensemble rehearsals, the faculty’s ability to adapt their teaching to different linguistic needs created an inclusive environment where every participant could fully engage with the material.

..after the concert

..after the concert

An Exceptional Concert Series
The heart of IKMMA 2025 beat through its impressive concert series, featuring nine carefully curated performances that showcased the incredible versatility and artistry of marimba and percussion instruments. These concerts ranged from solo performances, intimate chamber music settings to a connection with a choir, each designed to highlight different aspects of the participants’ developing skills and artistic vision.
Two concerts were specifically designed for young audiences, reflecting IKMMA’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of music lovers. These family-friendly performances featured accessible repertoire and interactive elements that captivated children while introducing them to the beautiful world of mallet percussion. Music was connected with a cool storytelling – „carnival of the Animals“ for the younger and „pictures of an Exhibition“ for the older group of young listeners. The joy on young faces in the audience served as a powerful reminder of music’s ability to inspire across all ages.
However, the crown jewel of the concert series was undoubtedly the collaborative performance featuring a choir. This special concert created a truly transcendent musical experience, blending the percussive textures of marimbas with the human voice in ways that moved both performers and audiences to tears. The harmonious marriage of vocal and instrumental elements demonstrated the marimba’s remarkable capacity for both rhythmic drive and melodic sensitivity, creating moments of pure musical magic that will be remembered long after the final notes faded.

lesson

IKMMA25 – individual lesson

Daily Learning and Musical Growth
The academy’s structured approach to learning ensured that every day brought new opportunities for growth and discovery. Daily individual instruction formed the backbone of the program, with participants receiving guidance from world-renowned faculty members – Katarzyna Myćka, Rachel Xi Zhang, Anders Kann Elten, Conrado Moya, Filip Merčep and Gene Koshinski, who brought decades of experience and innovative teaching methods to their sessions. These daily encounters with master teachers provided participants with immediate feedback, technical refinement, and artistic insight that accelerated their musical development.
Chamber music played an equally crucial role in the IKMMA experience. The extensive chamber music program created countless opportunities for participants to collaborate, experiment, and forge musical partnerships. Small ensemble work challenged musicians to develop their listening skills, learn to blend with others, and take on leadership roles within their groups. These intimate musical collaborations often served as the foundation for lasting friendships and professional connections that extended far beyond the academy’s duration.
Special guests enhanced our gathering by providing team and career building aspects (Ingrid Zurkinden) and creating new musical ways (Arkadiusz Katny). Arkadiusz finished his cycle of CHAINS I-VI closing 18 years of the writing process for this special musical story of almost 45 minutes. The world premiere of these marimba duos took place on September 9th 2025.
The emphasis on collaborative music-making proved to be one of the academy’s most valuable aspects. Participants discovered that creating music together required not only technical proficiency but also emotional intelligence, communication skills, and mutual respect. These lessons in musical collaboration translated into broader life skills that participants carried with them into their future endeavors.

all participants

IKMMA – Pina Bausch Theater

Exceptional Support and Resources
The Folkwang University of the Arts proved to be an exemplary host institution, providing not only world-class facilities but also demonstrating remarkable helpfulness and hospitality throughout the event. The university’s staff went above to ensure that every aspect of the academy ran smoothly, from technical support during rehearsals to assistance with logistical needs. This level of institutional support created an environment where participants could focus entirely on their musical growth without worrying about practical concerns.
The support from marimba manufacturers was equally impressive, with numerous companies contributing to the academy’s success. The presence of 19 different instruments ensured that participants had access to a diverse range of sounds, technologies, and playing experiences. This variety allowed musicians to explore different tonal possibilities, experiment with various techniques, and ultimately achieve the best possible musical effects in their performances. The manufacturers’ generosity in providing this extensive instrument collection demonstrated the industry’s commitment to supporting musical education and artistic excellence.

The Essen Experience
Beyond the musical activities, Essen itself proved to be a charming and inspiring location for the academy. The city’s unique character as a former industrial center transformed into a cultural hub provided a fascinating backdrop for the musical activities. Participants discovered the region’s rich history while enjoying its modern amenities and cultural attractions.
The weather gods smiled upon IKMMA 2025, blessing the event with beautiful conditions that enhanced every aspect of the experience. Sunny days encouraged outdoor conversations and informal musical sessions, while pleasant evenings provided perfect conditions for post-concert discussions and social gatherings.
The charming proximity of the Ruhr River added a poetic dimension to the academy’s setting. The gentle flow of water seemed to mirror the musical currents that flowed through the academy, creating a metaphorical connection between the natural landscape and the artistic endeavors taking place within the university’s walls.

Lasting Impact and Future Connections
As IKMMA 2025 drew to a close, it became clear that the academy had achieved something truly special. Beyond the technical skills learned and the repertoire mastered, participants had formed connections that would last a lifetime. The friendships forged in practice rooms and perfected on concert stages created a global network of musicians united by their shared passion for marimba.
The academy’s success in Essen has set a new standard for international music education, demonstrating how thoughtful planning, institutional support, and genuine dedication to musical excellence can create transformative experiences for musicians from around the world. As participants returned to their home countries, they carried with them not only enhanced musical abilities but also cherished memories of a time when music truly brought the world together in harmony.

Marimba Festiva