Tcha Limberger

Composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist Tcha Limberger is one of a handful of world-class musicians to have become accepted and respected in a style of music culturally not their own. His showcasing on the international stage of his Transylvanian Kalotaszeg Trio and Budapest Gypsy Orchestra, and his nurturing approach to teaching almost forgotten traditional musics, has made him one of the most prominent and important figures in folk music of the Carpathian Basin. For this he has received unparalleled praise worldwide from professionals and public alike. Critics remarking on his achievements have claimed he is ’entirely made of music’, ‘the Polymath king of Gypsy music’, whilst musician colleagues refer to him as ‘the fifth element’.

Tcha was born into a renowned Belgian family of Manouche musicians. He grew up in the world of Gypsy swing style of Django Reinhardt and over the years has collaborated with many of its leading performers. His eclectic musical tastes, interests and passions were formed from early childhood, with his first solo concerts singing Flamenco whilst accompanying himself on guitar at aged just eight. He has an ongoing fascination and love for traditional music from the world over, for a long while leading 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. Two current projects include I Silenti, a collaboration with Fabrizzio Cassol, and his much celebrated all-string swing band Les Violons de Bruxelles.

Tcha Limberger studied the music of Kalotaszeg with his mentor the legendary Neti Sandor, and the Magyar Nota style of Budapest with celebrated primas Horvat Bela. Both contribute to his recognition as both an exceptional and enthusiastic teacher who frequently holds masterclasses and leads interactive workshops encompassing both jazz and Central European folk music.

photo © Filip Verpoest