Markus Illko has the exceptional ability of having worked successfully within several facets of the music industry. At the age of 16, one of the youngest guitar students ever accepted at the University for Music and Arts Graz (Austria), he soon played in venues throughout the world, including Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Germany, Czechia, Italy, Zyprus and the USA. Performances include TV appearances like Barcelona-TV (Spain) or live radio broadcasts such as “Let’s Spend A Night Together”.
Playing different styles from Classic, Jazz, Tango and Flamenco, he was frequently invited to Europe’s most prestigious stages including Joe Zawinuls Birdland, Porgy and Bess Vienna Orpheum Graz, Palau de Musica Barcelona and many more. Not only did he win several 1. prizes, but received also the prize of honor for his achievements from the University of Music and Arts Graz (Austria).
One of his newest projects as a guitarist & producer is the band The String Revolution. It is comprised of four professional guitar players who create distinctive sounds with their guitars. This unique sound is evident in their studio recordings and sold-out live shows.
The String Revolution released their first EP, “Stringborn,” in 2016, which won them rave reviews and jam-packed shows. Their most recent CD, “Red Drops,” was released in 2019. The band’s cover version of “Billie Jean” reached the Top 10 Spotify LA Instrumental Charts, and their songs on Spotify have garnered more than two million plays. In 2019, the band was invited to perform at the Grammy Museum for their “Great Guitars” Concert Series sponsored by American Express.
Markus Illko on Radio Venice
Radio Venice S13.E15 – April 26, 2020
Radio Venice S05.E09 with The String Revolution – May 7, 2017
Radio Venice S05.E02 – February 19, 2017