Born in Odessa, Ukraine. He gave his first public performance at the age of nine. Mr. Lotakov got his Ph.D. degree from Kiev State Conservatory under the famous Russian pianist and teacher Vsevolod Topilin, classmate of Sviatoslav Richter and Emil Gilels. Yuri won outstanding acclaim touring extensively in the then Soviet Union, Europe, South Africa and the United States.

He performed with major Russian, Ukrainian and European orchestras, participated in chamber music ensembles, appeared on radio and television. His engagements include solo and chamber recitals, orchestra appearances and teaching. Yuri is a founder of DANZA Piano Trio.

“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 have been playing in Carnegie Hall where, in fact, he should be playing. He is that kind of pianist.”

-Walter Arlen, LOS ANGELES TIMES