BIOGRAPHY

Machi  ISHIDA – Marimbist / Percussionist

 

Born in Hiroshima, Japan, Machi Ishida began playing the marimba at the age of nine. She spent five formative years as a member of the Hiroshima Junior Marimba Ensemble, performing in over 400 concerts and developing a deep, physical connection with the expressive power of rhythm and sound. At just twelve years old, she became the youngest-ever espoir prizewinner at the Osaka International Music Competition, earning national attention for her musical sensitivity.

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Machi pursued her academic studies in music culture education at Hiroshima University, and later earned her master’s degree in percussion performance under Momoko Kamiya at Elisabeth University of Music. Driven by a passion to explore broader musical worlds, she continued her studies at the Conservatoire de Strasbourg in France, where she trained under the internationally renowned percussionist and composer Emmanuel Séjourné. Her artistic language further expanded through her study of traditional Middle Eastern percussion.

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International recognition followed through major percussion competitions: 2nd Prize at the 2017 Taiwan International Percussion Competition, 1st Prize in the Duo/Trio category at the 2019 Swiss Percussion Competition, and 4th Prize at the 2021 Universal Marimba Competition in Belgium. In 2022, Machi made history as the first Japanese winner of the 7th Stuttgart World Marimba Competition, also receiving the Audience Award and Best Performance of the Commissioned Chamber Work.

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Her performance career spans a wide range of international engagements across the United States, Germany, Denmark, Austria, France, China, Mongolia, Australia, and Taiwan. She has collaborated with distinguished marimbists such as Adam Tan and Tanel Eiko Novikov, performed in concerts and masterclass tours with the Taiwanese duo Twincussion, and recorded new works for Edition Svitzer in Denmark.

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Alongside her artistic activities, Machi is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians. She works closely with a small number of dedicated students, both in person and online, offering individualized guidance with care and enthusiasm. With her twin sister, she also performs as the duo Marimba Twins, presenting seven recitals to date and bringing engaging performances to audiences of all ages — from school children to international music festivals.

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Since 2023, Machi has served as an official artist for Adams Percussion and Kolberg Percussion, and as a recording artist for Edition Svitzer. In 2024, she was appointed as a cultural ambassador for Fuchu Town in Hiroshima Prefecture.