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Koshka

About Me

KOSHKA AT CELTIC CONNECTIONS 2008

Founded by virtuoso Gypsy violinist Oleg Ponomarev, Russian classical violinist Lev Atlas and Scots guitarist extraordinaire Nigel Clark, the trio have been enchanting audiences throughout the UK, Europe and Ireland with their innovative “World Gypsy Music”, a heady cocktail of gypsy tunes from all over the world, spiced with elements of jazz, rock, folk and flamenco. Koshka’s unique collaboration has been developing since 2001, when the trio first came together in Glasgow. It includes a hefty catalogue of Oleg Ponomarev’s original material, inspired by traditional melodies and arranged in unexpected new ways. Ranging from outrageous quick-tempo gypsy dance tunes, to the most achingly beautiful violin airs this side of the Carpathians, Koshka’s set gives audiences a chance to see and hear Gypsy music played as never before.





"KOSHKA is an astonishingly gifted trio......"
THE LIST

"Glasgow-based trio Koshka's members chart a geographical link between Astrakan, Vladivostock and Cathcart and their repertoire is similarly broad-ranging, their two violinists stringing together Hot Club swing, conservatory expertise, expressive ballad and mirthful slapstick episodes while guitarist Nigel Clark variously holds it all together, propels his colleagues and matches their quicksilver intricacies.. ….spellbinding.”
THE HERALD

"Their frenetic technical prowess, swaggering melodrama and liberal lacing of playful wit had the audience roaring their approval”.
THE SCOTSMAN

"The chemistry between them creates a mesmerising mix of virtuosity, playfulness and emotional intensity”
GUARDIAN

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 04/03/2008
Band Website: www.koshka.uk.com
Band Members:

OLEG PONOMAREV (violin)
Born in Habarovsk, Russia, he is perhaps best known for his role in Loyko, the Russian gypsy group which achieved international fame in the nineties. Ponomarev is a consummate musician and composer who has won many international awards, and whose intense stage presence and mastery of the violin have won him fans and critical acclaim all over the world. As well as recording four albums with Loyko and tracks with Ron Wood and Charlie Watts from the Rolling Stones, Oleg has been invited to play for Yehudi Menuhin, Placido Domingo and Ravi Shankar, He has composed for and played on film and tv soundtracks, including the movie “Onegin” starring Ralph Fiennes.

LEV ATLAS (violin)
Lev has enjoyed an outstanding career as a classical musician in his native Russia, America and the UK. He was a member of the award-winning Rostov String Quartet and the Rachmaninov Trio and he is currently Principal Viola of the Scottish Opera Orchestra. He is renowned as a virtuoso Klezmer and Eastern European folk music performer and has influenced musicians across Europe. He is also a living encyclopaedia of hundreds of traditional tunes.

NIGEL CLARK (guitar)
Clark is one of the UK’s leading jazz guitarists. Since the nineties he has performed as accompanist to the internationally renowned jazz singer Carol Kidd, and he is a founding composer/performer with the groundbreaking Scottish Guitar Quartet. He is the only European musician to have an exclusive recording contract with the legendary independent New York jazz label Arkadia Records.


Sounds Like: A whale of a time
Record Label: Circular Records
Type of Label: Indie

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