Awards:

GRAMMY®

• Award Winner, Kirk Franklin, “Long, Live, Love” 2020

• Award Winner, PJ Morton Feat. Yebba, “How Deep Is Your Love” 2019

• Award Nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, John Legend, “A Legendary Christmas” 2019

• Award Nomination for Best R&B Album, PJ Morton, “Gumbo Unplugged” 2019

• Award Nomination for Best R&B Performance, PJ Morton, “First Began” 2019

• Award Nomination for Best R&B Album, PJ Morton, “Gumbo” 2018

• Award Nomination for Best R&B Song, PJ Morton, “First Began” 2018

• Award Nomination for Best Reggae Album, A Matter of Time, “Protoje” 2018

• Award Nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance, Ledisi Young, “All the way” 2017

• Award Nomination for Best Reggae Album, Chronixx, “Chronology” 2017

• Award Nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance, BJ The Chicago Kid, “Woman’s World” 2016

• Award Nomination for Best R&B Album, BJ The Chicago Kid, “In My Mind” 2016

Plowman Chamber Music Competition (USA)

• 1st Prize & Audience Prize, Colombia, MO 2015

Intercounty Instrumentalist Competition (Romania)

• 6th Edition – 1 st Prize – Category: Violin 1998

• 5th Edition – 1 st Prize – Category: Violin 1997

• 4th Edition – 1 st Prize – Category: Violin 1996

• 2nd Edition – 1 st Prize – Category: Violin 1994

About

Istvan Loga, a GRAMMY® award-winning violist, embarked on his musical journey at the George Enesco School of Arts in Romania, laying the foundation for a remarkable career in classical music. His pursuit of excellence led him to the Chicago College of Performing Arts, where he earned a Performance Diploma under the guidance of the eminent Roger Chase.

Continuing his education, Istvan undertook a transformative journey at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, earning a Master of Music in Viola under the mentorship of Prof. Paul De Clerck. Prior to this, he honed his skills at the University of Debrecen Faculty of Music in Hungary, studying with Dr. Gabor Pongracz and further refining his craft.

Venturing into the Netherlands, Istvan immersed himself in the string quartet class of Marc Danel and Stefan Metz at the Nederlandse Strijkkwartet Academie in Amsterdam. Additionally, he delved into the chamber music class of the Artemis Quartet at Chapelle Musicale Reine Elisabeth in Waterloo, Belgium, receiving specialized training in the viola class of Prof. Ervin Schiffer at Prins Claus Conservatorium Groningen in the Netherlands.

Istvan's commitment to continuous improvement is evident in his participation in masterclasses across Europe, learning from esteemed musicians such as Adam Romer, Vladimir Bukac, Eberhard Feltz, Josef Kluson, Stefan Metz, Oliver Wille, Schmuel Ashkenazi, Brant Taylor, Matthias Tacke, and others. His journey included significant experiences at renowned festivals and academies in cities like Morges, Davos, Brussels, Zagreb, Dusseldorf, Nordhorn, Mainz, Bruges, Casalmaggiore, and more.

With exceptional talent and rigorous training alongside the world's top musicians and violists, Mr. Loga was invited to play the viola alongside world-renowned pianist Martha Argerich and Japanese violinist Yuzuko Horigome, following the devastating earthquake in Japan to raise funds for the charitable cause. He has performed with orchestras such as the Charlemagne Orchestra, Camerata Ardesko, Mainzer Virtuosi, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Chicago Philharmonic, Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago, Northbrook Symphony, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, and Camerata Chicago, among others.

Furthermore, Istvan Loga has collaborated with ABC/Disney on the television drama 'Betrayal,' being chosen from over 200 applicants to play the violin in the ninth episode. His skillful playing has graced notable events, including Warner Bros. Bugs Bunny at the Symphony, Johnny Mathis at the Akoo Theatre, and Andrea Bocelli at the Allstate Arena.

Mr. Loga's outstanding talent with the viola, his compassion for people, and his love for art have attracted renowned figures in the industry. He collaborated with top artists such as John Legend and Kirk Franklin and recently worked with PJ Morton, Maroon 5's keyboardist, and solo R&B artist, through the Matt Jones Orchestra. As the principal violist, he contributed to the success of MJO recordings and live performances, including the Grammy-winning track "How Deep Is Your Love," the acclaimed Tiny Desk Concert, and sold-out shows at the Kennedy Center. Mr. Loga's collaborations extend to a diverse range of artists, including Austin Mahone, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Benjamin Wright, Jr., Eric Benét, BJ the Chicago Kid, Spike Lee, Big Sean, and many more.

Beyond his academic and masterclass achievements, Istvan has showcased his artistry by releasing two solo albums for viola solo: "Homage to Korea" was inspired by his trips to Korea and watching folk music productions, and "Journey" is an experimental album that fuses soulful R&B with rich Korean folk songs. These albums demonstrate his virtuosity and musical expression and reflect his unique voice as a solo violist.

Dedicated to education, Istvan actively holds pivotal roles at esteemed institutions such as the Camerata Chicago Academy, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, People's Music School, Mattix Music Studio, and Vancouver Island Music Academy. His devotion to chamber music is highlighted by notable achievements, including winning 1st place with the Tito Quartet at the 7th Plowman Chamber Music Competition in Missouri, USA.

Istvan Loga’s biography attests to his commitment to musical brilliance, lifelong study, and contributions to the fields of classical music teaching and performance. His remarkable accomplishments, including several nominations and GRAMMY Awards, demonstrate his important influence in the field of viola playing.

Contact Istvan for more info.