Biography

Ilija Tosic, born in 1992 in Smederevska Palanka, Serbia, began playing the guitar at the age of 10 at the local music school. At 14, he moved to Belgrade to continue his musical education at the “Dr. Vojislav Vuckovic” Music High School under the guidance of Professor Zoran Anic, graduating in 2011. Later, Tosic moved to Germany, where he was admitted to the “Koblenz International Guitar Academy,” studying with professors Goran Krivokapic, Aniello Desiderio, and Hubert Käppel. From 2013 to 2021, he continued his studies at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln (Cologne University of Music and Dance), earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees with highest honors under Prof. Hubert Käppel.

During his studies, Tosic participated in masterclasses with renowned musicians such as Dusan Bogdanovic, Roland Dyens, Pepe Romero, and Judicaël Perroy. He has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Grand Prix at the Vilnius Youth Music Competition 'Premio Scarlatti' in Lithuania and third prize at the Brussels International Guitar Competition 'Ilse & Nicolas Alfonso' in Belgium. He was also a recipient of a scholarship from Yehudi Menuhin Live Music Now e.V.

Tosic’s repertoire spans from Baroque to contemporary and world music, demonstrating his versatility as a guitarist. He performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician, collaborating with various instrumentalists and ensembles. Since 2018, he has performed on a Daniele Chiesa guitar.

In June 2024, Tosic released his debut CD, Recital – A Depiction of the 20th Century.

In addition to his performing career, Tosic teaches at the Rheinische Musikschule in Cologne and Musikschule Frechen.