Gammar

Item details

Description +
- My first composition for solo marimba, introducing hints of the one-hand independence approach, inspired by Theodor Milkov and Anders Elten.
  
  "Qamari" in arabic means "my moon", a common phrase used to show affection. The story of the piece is emotional turmoil in two lovers who are far far away from each other, and are at night looking at the moon, which is a way of connection and giving them calm, but at the same time bringing a bittersweet feeling, showing them the distance between them is very real.
  
  A goal with this piece is not only to let my emotions out into musical form, but also to start creating original compositions for the marimba that include the one-hand independence approach, with the idea of making it more approachable and slowly but surely standardizing the technique. It is because of this that the piece still includes mostly the “standard/traditional” way of playing, but has sections that are based on the one-hand independence approach, hoping that that will make the composition more approachable to a percussionist who might not yet be well-versed in the advanced technique and give him motivation to tackle it and discover the immense potential it has on the marimba.
  
  Ion Delić
Instrumentation +
- Marimba (5.0)
About the composer +
- Emerging as one of the most versatile young percussionists of his generation, Ion Delić represents a dynamic blend of classical precision, contemporary expression, improvisational freedom, and cross-genre artistry. Currently pursuing his Master’s degree at the Royal Danish Academy of Music, Delić has established himself as an active performer across Europe, collaborating with ensembles such as the Slovenian Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Copenhagen Philharmonic Orchestra.
  
  His artistic journey began in Slovenia, where he completed his Bachelor’s studies at the Academy of Music Ljubljana under the mentorship of Simon Klavžar. Further refinement of his craft has come through studies and collaborations with internationally renowned artists, including Anders Kann Elten, Theodor Milkov, Johan Bridger, and Søren Monrad.
  
  Delić’s achievements span numerous prestigious international competitions, including top prizes at the Opole International Marimba Competition and the Majaoja International Percussion Competition. His performances have taken him to major venues and festivals (such as the American Percussion Seminar in 2025), where he has appeared both as a soloist and chamber musician, and contributed to premieres of contemporary works, reflecting a strong commitment to expanding the percussion repertoire.
  
  Beyond classical performance, his musical identity extends into jazz, funk, and soul, where he has experience as a keyboardist and collaborator. This stylistic versatility is complemented by his work as an educator, having taught both percussion and piano, and led masterclasses for young musicians.
  
  A central influence in his artistic development is his mentor, Anders Kann Elten, whose dedication to the marimba as a solo instrument and commitment to contemporary music continues to shape Delić’s artistic direction. Elten, a distinguished performer and educator, has premiered numerous works and contributes significantly to the evolution of modern percussion through both performance and pedagogy.
  
  Through a combination of technical mastery, musical curiosity, and a broad artistic vision, Ion Delić continues to build a distinctive voice in today’s international music scene.

Item details

Related publications