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LoykoMusical trio
Date of Birth: .
Country:  Ireland |
Content:
- The Formation and Evolution of the 'Loiko' Trio
- The Trio's Distinguished Members
- Mikhail Savichev: Flamenco-Inspired Guitarist
- Artur Gorbenko: Jazz-Infused Violinist
- Loiko's Rise to International Acclaim
- Loiko's Global Presence and Innovative Style
- Reemergence and Current Status
The Formation and Evolution of the 'Loiko' Trio
In 1990, Sergei Erdenko, the driving force behind the 'Loiko' trio, left Mark Rozovsky's theater in search of new musical horizons. In a London pub, he joined forces with guitarist Vadim Kulickiy and violinist Oleg Ponomarev, performing gypsy ballads. Sensing a growing appreciation for their music, they decided to compose their own.
A chance meeting with manager Billy Loveday led to a concert in Dublin, where Loiko encountered violinist Moira Brummeh and participated in the recording of The Rolling Stones' album. Inspired by gypsy music, the trio's sound evolved through their travels, incorporating elements from various cultures. Their name pays homage to Maxim Gorky's character Loiko Zobar, a spirited gypsy renowned for his virtuoso violin playing.
The Trio's Distinguished Members
Sergei Erdenko: Gypsy VirtuosoSergei Erdenko, the artistic director, inherited his love for music from his gypsy heritage. Influenced by Antonio Vivaldi, Erdenko starred in theater productions and films before forming Loiko. Today, he is recognized as one of the world's top five gypsy violinists.
Mikhail Savichev: Flamenco-Inspired Guitarist
Mikhail Savichev's encounter with gypsy music began in Spain. Expelled from the conservatory, he immersed himself in flamenco in Barcelona and Seville. His favorite guitarist is David Gilmour of Pink Floyd.
Artur Gorbenko: Jazz-Infused Violinist
Artur Gorbenko's classical training on the viola led him to explore jazz at restaurants. Joining Loiko, he attributes the experience to the flourishing of his career.
Loiko's Rise to International Acclaim
In 1992, Loiko's electrifying performances at a gypsy music festival in Berlin caught the attention of Austrian director Andre Heller. His invitation to perform in the show 'Magneten' brought them from a London pub to the international stage. Violinist Yehudi Menuhin praised their artistry and invited them to his concerts.
The Independent described Loiko as "direct descendants of a 300-year-old gypsy tradition," embodying "a truly exhilarating spectacle of passion, played with ferocious, almost unbearable intensity... a virtuoso musical show as theatrical as it is musical."
Loiko's Global Presence and Innovative Style
Loiko's concerts have been broadcast on BBC and are characterized by their relentless energy and improvisational nature. Mixing tradition with innovation, the trio's sound revolves around the violin and guitar. Erdenko emphasizes the synergy between these instruments:
"Three is a powerful force. Violin and guitar are our traditional instruments. I have tried playing with an accordion, cello, and cymbals, but nothing matches the dialogue between two violins."
Reemergence and Current Status
Despite their fame abroad, Loiko remained relatively unknown in Russia. A brief hiatus in the early 2000s was followed by a reformation in the mid-2000s. In 2016, Loiko released their album "Life on the Road," accompanied by a music film. They became regulars on Russian television and were nominated for a Grammy Award in 2019.
In December 2023, Loiko graced the stage of the popular music show 'Kvartirnik NTV u Margulis.' They continue to captivate audiences at festivals and concerts, sharing stage presence with classical and rock musicians. Their annual New Year's Eve performances in St. Petersburg feature a mix of gypsy romances, Tchaikovsky classics, and Brahms.
