Photo: Pilvax Studio

Gareth Lubbe

Gareth Lubbe, a South African-born multi-instrumentalist and overtone singer, is an internationally recognized soloist and chamber musician known for his versatility and collaborations across genres. He was principal violist of the Gewandhaus Orchestra in Leipzig under Riccardo Chailly (2007-2014) before becoming Professor of Viola at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, succeeding Vladimir Mendelssohn.

As a chamber musician, Gareth performs with various artists including Boris Brovtsyn, Janine Jansen, Mischa Maisky, Pinchas Zukerman, and Dame Evelyn Glennie in major venues like Carnegie Hall, the Berlin Philharmonic, Wigmore Hall, and Suntory Hall. Beyond instrumental performance, he is also a polyphonic singer, incorporating overtone singing into his work. He has taught this technique worldwide, including at the Juilliard School and with the St. Thomas Choir, and numerous compositions have been written for his voice. He has appeared as a soloist with the Deutsches Sinfonieorchester Berlin and the Munich Chamber Orchestra, among others. His chamber music recordings can be found on Naxos, Signum, and BIS. His album Lubatov (Leo Records), a collaboration with jazz pianist Simon Nabatov, showcases his vocal techniques and improvisational skills. His work with composer and trombonist Nils Wogram earned the “German Jazz Prize for Best Instrumental Album” in 2022. A unique highlight of Gareth’s career is playing the “manure organ” at the Stelzenfestspiele bei Reuth, blending agricultural objects with music.

He maintains strong ties to South Africa as a board member of Community H.E.A.R.T., founded by anti-apartheid activist Dr. Denis Goldberg. He also serves as International Ambassador for the “Denis Goldberg House of Hope” a social initiative in Hout Bay.