BIO
MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST • EDUCATOR
Tcha Limberger is a distinguished multi-instrumentalist and a virtuoso on most of them. A composer and educator with an international musical career that spans several decades, genres and continents, characterised by a nurturing approach to and a deep emotional connection with music. His contributions, both as a performer, composer, and educator solidify his position as a significant force in today's musical landscape. His unique ability to transcend genres has positioned him as a leading figure within both traditional and contemporary music, earning him accolades from critics and fans alike and leading to collaborations with a diverse range of artists from around the globe.
Often exploring and reflecting on cultural themes, and integrating influences from his Romani heritage, he has contributed to the broader landscape of world music and inspired a new generation of musicians. He studied the music of Kalotaszeg with his mentor the legendary Neti Sandor, and the Magyar Nota style of Budapest with celebrated primas Horvat Bela. An education which, alongside his extensive exploration of the culture and language of these styles has contributed to his recognition as one of the most important current figures in the music of the Carpathian Basin. His second recording with The Budapest Gypsy Orchestra, Fekete éjszaka, borulj a világra won him a Songlines Music nomination in 2015.
Limberger was Born into a renowned Belgian family of Manouche musicians. His father is the much-revered singer and guitarist Vivi Limberger, an almost mythical figure loved for his recordings and tours with Fapy Lafertin and the band Waso. His grandfather was the legendary Manouche violinist and bandleader Piotto Limberger. Growing up submerged in a world of many music styles including the Gypsy swing style of Django Reinhardt, his eclectic musical tastes interests and passions were formed early. His first solo concerts were aged eight singing and playing Flamenco.
He has an ongoing fascination and love for traditional music from across the world. For a long while he led a band of Belgian musicians playing music from Aimara, and the Quechua Indians of Bolivia. He studied modern classical composition alongside Belgian composer Dick Vanderharst with his compositional debut for a dance piece by Les ballets C de la B called ‘Patchagonia’ directed by Lisi Estaras. Alongside Dick Vanderharst, Limberger mentions also Koen De Cauter and Herman Schamp as pillars of his musical development
As an influential figure in the contemporary jazz and world music scene, Tcha Limberger continues to captivate audiences with his extraordinary talent and passion for music.
His three current projects include ‘I Silenti’, a collaboration with Fabrizzio Cassol, his much-celebrated all-string swing band Les Violons de Bruxelles, and most recent, The Viper Club celebrating the musical style of Stuff Smith, keep him as pivotal artist on the world, folk and jazz music stages.
MUSIC AWARD NOMINATED 2016 SONGLINES
“as intoxicating as a vintage dessert wine”
SONGLINES UK
SONGLINES MUSIC AWARD NOMINATED second studio album of Tcha Limberger and his brilliant Budapest Gypsy Orchestra.
TOP 10 JAZZ ALBUMS 2019 THE TIMES
“almost impossibly breathtaking to bear witness perfection on such a scale” JAZZ DA GAMA
THE TIMES TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2019 second album of Tcha Limberger and Les Violons de Bruxelles.
PRESS QUOTES
“The polymath virtuoso Tcha Limberger is the king of gypsy music.”
— THE TIMES UK
“simply world class.”
— COMPACT NL
“Tcha Limberger seems to be made entirely out of music.”
— THE OBSERVER UK
“the equal of some of the greatest conservatory violinists… Limberger at the top of his game.”
— WORLD MUSIC REPORT USA
“it will probably be years before the world really catches up to Tcha Limberger”
— WORLD MUSIC REPORT USA
“Limberger’s violin seems to translate the whole history and soul of Europe”
— JAZZ HOT FR
“Limberger plays with such love for the tradition one can only sit and listen entirely fascinated.”
— MOORS MAGAZINE NL
“Limberger gives the characters in the songs a near-physical presence”
— WORLD MUSIC REPORT USA
“music straight from the soul”
— LONDON EVENING STANDARD UK
“he has one of the most singularly exciting voices in recent memory”
— THE CANADIAN MAGAZINE
“Tcha Limberger is blessed by the gods”
— L’ALSACE FR
“The stylish sound of what was and what is not”
— FROOTS UK
“music as natural as breathing”
— LONDON JAZZ NEWS UK
“High-flying is indeed the right word for Tcha Limberger”
— LE BULLETIN DU HCF FR
“Limberger is a virtuoso who has no need to show this off”
— KLANGCOSMOS G
“He’s become a musician’s musician, admired by many”
— SONGLINES MAGAZINE UK