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YURI LOTAKOV
Born in Odessa, Ukraine, pianist Yuri Lotakov gave his first public performance at the age of nine. By eighteen he won several national Ukrainian competitions, was admitted to the Kiev State Conservatory and entered class of famous Russian pianist and teacher Vsevolod Topilin, who was a partner of David Oistrakh and a classmate of Richter and Gilels.
After completing his doctorate at the Kiev State Conservatory, Yuri launched a major performing and teaching career. He concertized extensively throughout then Soviet Union and Europe, performed with major Russian, Ukrainian and European orchestras, participated in chamber music ensembles, appeared on radio and television, was |
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a jury member of many piano and chamber music competitions, held
teaching positions at the Kiev State Conservatory and the Kiev
State Music College. |
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Upon applying for permission to leave the Soviet Union in 1977, Yuri was removed from his teaching positions. All his performing engagements were canceled.
After enduring two difficult years, Yuri was able to emigrate to the United States.
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Settled in Los Angeles, Yuri resumed teaching and performing career.
He made a prominent mark on Southern California music life by participating in such venues as famous UCLA Monster Concert where thirty six pianists playing twelve pianos were led by Henry Temianko in a memorable fun program, performing with American Youth symphony led by Mehli Mehta and appearing as a soloist with various orchestras, as a member of numerous chamber ensembles. He also is a founder of Danza piano trio collaborating with Armen Anassian (violin) and Alexander Zhiroff (cello)...
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He won outstanding acclaims performing in the USA, Europe, Israel and South Africa. |
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“Russ Pianist: Thrilling”, “Pianist Yuri Lotakov has it all…”, “His ability to shape a phrase musically is superb…”, “Playing of the highest order!”, “Playing of incredible beauty that you wanted to prolong forever…”, “Playing of great beauty and refinement…”, “A first class musical mind!”, “Fire and drama, repose and poetry, turbulence and restlessness…”, “Slavic sensitivity and genuine spark…”, “Shimmering colors and flexible tempos…”, “Sheer poetic feeling was the hallmark of Lotakov…”, “He synthesizes in the traditions of Horowitz and Richter, those qualities that have provoked the most incredible audience responses throughout the world…” - Those are but a few quotations from raving reviews inspired by Yuri Lotakov. |
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Currently residing in Tarzana with his family, Yuri manages to combine performing and teaching with a successful career in Information Technologies. His talents are many and have no limitations. |
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“Yuri Lotakov is a solid, secure pianist.
His fingers are like steel, but with a velvet and nimble touch. They can produce crashing chords and they can whisper in affecting pianissimo. He could be playing in Carnegie Hall where, in fact, he should be playing. He is that kind of pianist.”
Los Angeles Times
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