Marin Bunea, Jean-Christophe Gairard, Mihai Trestian & Tcha Limberger

Born in northern Moldova and immersed in traditional music from an early age, Marin Bunea passionately carries forward the rich musical heritage he has inherited. As the fifth generation of an old lautar family from Baraboi-Edineț, his connection to this unique tradition runs deep. Marin is a violinist, conductor, arranger and composer specializing in traditional styles, performing both in Moldova and internationally. He describes the music of traditional lautari as “warm, spiritual, light, and full of brightness.” Reflecting on his craft, he says, “As a violinist, captivated by every technical detail, I am constantly amazed by the extraordinary technical mastery, stylistic refinement, and artistic brilliance of the lautari.”

French fiddler Jean-Christophe Gairard, a familiar face at Fiddlers on the Move, met Marin Bunea in Chișinău, Moldova, in April 2024. We are thrilled to now have both of them among the teachers and performers at Fiddlers on the Move.

For this special occasion, they will form a quartet with violinist and multi-instrumentalist Tcha Limberger, who will take on the double bass for this concert, and cimbalom virtuoso Mihai Trestian, also from Moldova.

Together, these exceptional musicians breathe new life into Eastern European folk music, each bringing their unique style and background. Let the mesmerizing sounds of violin, cimbalom, and double bass sweep you away!

photo Jean-Christophe © Laure Melone