Who is
Ludwig Albert
Dr. Ludwig Albert, internationally acclaimed and awarded as a virtuoso artist, pioneer and composer, belongs as one of today’s leading marimbist throughout the world with the absolute top flight. Perceived by press for his unique ‘legendary’ sound and profiled as one of the most successful pedagogues of his generation, he’s unmistakably an ‘icon’ in the international marimba world and has influenced many young players in his particular style. In 2011 Albert, a Yamaha artist up to that point, began an important relationship with the Dutch ‘Adams Percussion company’ in the design, construction and release of the ‘Ludwig Albert signature concert marimba’. In addition, the American company ‘Innovative Percussion’ began production of the ‘Ludwig Albert signature mallet line’ in 2004.
He is the first European marimba virtuoso to receive both honor. He released 15 albums with mainly own compositions, improvisations, dedicated works and with pioneering musical combinations in a variety of musical styles, all featuring in essence his unique sonority and portfolio. Albert established in Belgium since 2004 the European creation of a marimba Master department at the Royal Conservatoire Antwerp and afterwards at the LUCA University Leuven. Both renowned marimba departments are driven by his renowned innovative Method “Movin’grips - Body controlled Marimba Sound Production”, for which he received in 2016 the title of “Doctor of Arts” at the Antwerp University.
The effectiveness of his approach in tone production resulted in over 90 winning Prizes by alumni at international leading competitions. He’s presented as visiting Professor at several universities abroad and serves regularly as jury of acclaimed competitions. He’s founder and artistic director of several international festivals and competitions such as the prestigious Universal Marimba Competition Belgium, which received from 2011 the High Patronage of Her Majesty Queen Paola. In addition, he’s also the founder, charger and advisory committee member of the International Jeju Percussion Competition in Jeju-South-Korea. He has conducted masterclasses and performed concerts, touring regularly in more than 35 countries with as highlight his double concerto “The Universe”. This concerto was world premièred for National TV & Radio broadcasts at prestigious concert halls such as the Beijing and Seoul National Centers of performing Arts. Albert’s ascent in the world of classical music was marked by numerous accolades, such as the ‘Award of honor 2004’ and the ‘Best Classical Music Award 2020’ for his concerto ‘the Universe’.
His best-selling composition “Feel the Sunlight” for marimba solo was awarded in 2021 the ‘Best Classic Music Award’ and hit internationally the 1st position on the classical charts in Western Europe, South- & North Africa, Asia and Eastern- & Midwestern United States. In addition, he received the ‘Best Classic Artist Award 2021’ and the ‘outstanding Legacy Award 2023’ for his exceptional talent and perseverance in the music field. A cooperative composing project with the Portuguese composer Rodrigo Marques resulted in 2021 in the completion of a new Concerto ‘Permafrost” for marimba & Symphony orchestra which was handled from 2019 as set piece of the Universal Marimba Competition and the Jeju Percussion Competition. He developed in several countries such as Russia and Mexico a true marimba culture and achieved acknowledge as a celebrated star & pioneer.
His musical interpretations garnered international praise and left an indelible mark on the hearts of music lovers. From 2025, he will celebrate 35 years career with a concert- & masterclass tour, several new CD releases including the first recording of his concerti, the presentation of his latest new signature Adams marimba and the completion of two new commissioned concerti being handled as set piece of int. competitions in Belgium, Shanghai & S-Korea 2026-27. His compositions and arrangements are published with Splendid Arts Edition and other European publishers. Ludwig Albert continues to inspire and influence the classical music scene, his legacy enduring through his recordings, teachings, and the countless lives he has touched with his artistry. He has been reviewed and praised by Major international press and music critics for his unique style, his legendary lyrical sound and his play with 8 mallets.