Experience the Harmony

In the vibrant world of music and dance, the Meridian Tango Group stands as a beacon of fusion, talent, and passion. Established in 2024, this ensemble brings together an eclectic mix of virtuosos from diverse backgrounds, each contributing their unique flair to the enchanting world of Tango.

At the helm of this musical journey is Yulia Zhukoff, whose career epitomizes dedication and artistry. Originating from Saint Petersburg, Russia, Yulia's musical odyssey began at the tender age of six, igniting a lifelong love affair with music. Her prowess on the cello has graced stages across continents, earning her accolades and admiration worldwide. However, it was during her tenure at Duquesne University's Mary Pappert School of Music that Yulia's artistic trajectory took a transformative turn. Introduced to the mesmerizing world of Argentine Tango, she embarked on a new chapter, infusing her classical training with the passion and rhythm of this captivating dance form.

Joining Yulia is Viktor Kosh, a distinguished clarinetist hailing from Ukraine. With a Doctor of Arts degree in clarinet performance from the Prokofiev Donetsk Music Academy, Viktor's expertise has reverberated through theaters and concert halls across the globe. From his tenure as the principal clarinetist in Donetsk to his ventures in China, Viktor's musical journey brings depth and richness to the Meridian Tango Group.

Complementing Viktor's melodic prowess is Lana Kosh, a Ukrainian pianist whose virtuosity knows no bounds. With a Doctor of Art and Master in Music Degree in Piano Performance from the Prokofiev Music Academy, Lana's career has been studded with awards and accolades. From her role as concertmaster in academic singing to her tenure in China's bustling music scene, Lana's passion for piano shines through in every note.

Rounding out the ensemble is Javier Sanchez, a master of the bandoneón with roots deeply entrenched in the heart of Buenos Aires. With over three decades of experience, Javier brings the soul and rhythm of Argentina to the forefront. From his tenure with renowned tango orchestras to his solo recitals in the Carolinas, Javier's musical prowess adds depth and authenticity to the Meridian Tango Group.

Together, these four virtuosos unite under the banner of the Meridian Tango Group, weaving a tapestry of sound and movement that transcends borders and captivates audiences worldwide. With unwavering dedication, consummate artistry, and a shared passion for Tango, they continue to push the boundaries of musical expression, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and dance.

Meet the Group

  • Javier Sanchez

    Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Javier Sánchez has been playing the bandoneón for over 30 years.

    Between 2005 and 2016 he was a member of Latin Grammy Award nominee Rodolfo Mederos Orquesta Típica.

    Mr. Sánchez has toured the globe with well-known tango orchestras and tango companies such as Tango Pasión, Tanguera, Tango Emotion (returning to Japan for 5 consecutive years), and many others.

    As an active musician in Argentina, Mr. Sánchez played in the most prestigious tango shows of Buenos Aires including El Viejo Almacén, Esquina de Carlos Gardel, Café Tortoni, Piazzolla Tango Theater, just to name a few.

    In 2016, he relocated to the New York metropolitan area and started collaborating with a variety of tango groups, among most noted are Aces of Rhythm directed by Pablo Aslan (debuted at Lincoln Center in July of 2017), Pan American Symphony Orchestra directed by Sergio Bušlje (Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.), and the Astoria Tango Orchestra led by Daniel Binelli (11-piece orchestra típica).

    In August of the same year, he won the First Prize at the renowned Che Bandoneon International Competition judged by bandoneón legend Victor Lavallén.

    In 2018 Mr. Sanchez became Musical Director of Che Tangazo orchestra based in Montreal, Canada, making its debut in July at Tango BA Festival and World Cup.

    In 2021, he relocated to Charlotte, NC area and began performing solo recitals at numerous venues in Carolinas region. He recorded a one hour concert from Bach to Piazzolla, which streamed live via TwitCasting (available now in its archives).

  • Viktor Kosh

    Viktor is a Ukrainian musician-clarinetist and concert performer. He graduated from the Prokofiev Donetsk Music Academy, where he obtained a Doctor of Arts degree in clarinet performance.

    For many years, Viktor served as the principal clarinetist in the Donetsk Drama Theater Orchestra and the Municipal Orchestra of Donetsk. From 2011 to 2022, he worked in China, where he was part of the Guangzhou Opera Theater and Concord Music in Shanghai. Viktor conducted masterclasses, gave concerts, and prepared students for orchestral work and entrance exams to music institutions.

    After moving to Canada in 2022 and the United States in 2023, he continues to teach and participate in various concerts.

  • Lana Kosh

    Lana Kosh

    Lana is a Ukrainian pianist who graduated from the Prokofiev Music Academy in Ukraine with Doctor of Art and Master in Music Degree in Piano Performance. For 8 years, she worked as a concertmaster of academic singing in the class of Honored Artist of Ukraine, Petro Onchul. During these years, she received awards as the best concertmaster at international competitions such as the 3rd and 5th International Competitions named after Anatoly Solovyanenko and the Ukrainian International Vocal Competition-Festival in 2011.

    From 2011 to 2022, she lived and worked in China, at the Guangzhou Opera House and Shanghai Concord Music. She taught piano, conducted masterclasses, and thematic concerts. During these years, she received numerous awards as an outstanding teacher, including the International Competition for Young Pianists named after S.S. Prokofiev (Donetsk, 2013), the Chopin Memorial Competition (Hong Kong, 2017), the 19th International Music Festival (Osaka, 2019), and the Blüthner International Piano Tournament (Qingdao, 2019).

    After moving to Canada in 2022, and then to the United States in 2023, she continues to teach students, perform together with her husband, a clarinetist, and organize thematic concerts.

  • Yulia Zhukoff

    Yulia's career is a testament to unwavering dedication, consummate artistry, and a profound love for music and dance. Originating from Saint Petersburg, Russia, she commenced her musical journey at age six at the St. Petersburg Palace of Youth Creativity & Music.

    Over the years, Yulia's artistry has traversed continents, with her performances resonating across Europe, Japan, and the United States. Her versatile talents have graced some of the world's most prestigious stages, where she has shone brightly as a soloist, chamber group collaborator, and orchestral member, consistently captivating audiences with her virtuosity. Yulia has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions in her career, showcasing her outstanding talent and unwavering commitment to classical music.

    Yulia's artistic journey took a transformative turn during her academic pursuit at Duquesne University's Mary Pappert School of Music. Here, she was introduced to the enchanting world of the Argentine Tango—a dance form that would fundamentally alter the trajectory of her artistic expression.

    With the same dedication and precision she applied to her cello, Yulia embarked on a journey into the world of Tango, with relentless dedication and meticulous craftsmanship. Her journey carried her not only across the vast expanse of the United States but also to the very heart of Argentina. Onstage, Yulia's musical talent and her profound connection to the Tango intertwine and capture the attention of her audience.

    Yulia Zhukoff's career is a testament to the transformative power of art and the boundless possibilities of the human spirit. Through her music and her dance, her career is marked by unwavering dedication, global recognition, and a transformative journey into the world of Tango, where her musical and dance artistry converge brilliantly.