Japanese and Western cultures meet like never before! Experience the mystifying beauty of the marimba in the hands of two masters.

"Ballade" is a collaborative project by marimba players Tanel-Eiko Novikov (Estonia) and Machi Ishida (Japan), which began in 2023 following their participation in one of the most prestigious marimba competitions — the 7th World Marimba Competition in Stuttgart, Germany.

The “Ballade” program features works by both Estonian and Japanese composers written for solo and marimba duo. The repertoire includes both arrangements of classical music and original compositions created specifically for the marimba.

Machi Ishida is a Japanese marimbist and percussionist based in Hiroshima, Japan. She is a Kolberg Mallets Artist and Adams Percussion Artist. She is also a recording artist for Edition Svitzer and Svitzer Music. Machi has been a PR Ambassador of Fuchu town in Hiroshima since 2024.

Tanel Eiko Novikov is an acclaimed Estonian percussionist and marimbist who is quickly becoming one of the most exciting voices of his generation. He first gained wider recognition after winning the Estonian TV competition ''Classical Stars 2018'', organized by the Estonian Public Broadcasting and Concert Estonia, and representing his home country at Eurovision Young Musicians 2018. Tanel is a YAMAHA artist.