Eastern Eye Quartet unites three of the most remarkable contemporary musicians from East Europe and the Swiss drummer Marc Halbheer. This outstanding ensemble plays a fascinating fusion of jazz and Balkan music.
Milcho Leviev (†) was the original piano player of Eastern Eye. The legendary Bulgarian pianist and composer – also known as the “Godfather of Balkan Jazz” – passed away in 2019 at the age of 82. Antoni Donchev joined Eastern Eye in 2024 to complete the current lineup. The multiple awarded Bulgarian pianist is a model contemporary musician and a highly-skilled performer and composer. He has no difficulty combining jazz styles with folklore and classical music in all their aspects.
Pantelis Stoikos – a stunning trumpet and kaval player is one of the most important speakers on his instruments in the Balkan area. The personal sound of the northern Greek virtuoso is touching and comes across with great authenticity. Critics have called him “Miles Davis of the Balkans”.
Yiotis Kiourtsoglou – the Athens based Greek bass player is a pioneer in integrating the traditional music of his country into modern styles. He influenced a lot of musicians in his region and for many years was a first-call bass player. His collaboration with the drummer Marc Halbheer has spanned for over 35 years.
Marc Halbheer – an open mind & versatility are only two traits of the Swiss master drummer, who has his own band. Working in a wide variety of stylistic contexts has led him to festivals and concert halls around the globe.