With sophisticated arrangements and energetic rhythms, the five musicians from Cologne make it just as easy for their audience to listen devoutly as to dance exuberantly.

Tovte, that is: Tobias Gubesch (clarinet), Nathalie Litzner (viola), Anna Neubert (violin), Leonhard Spies (guitar) and Silas Eifler (double bass). The group came together in the summer of 2012, initially as a buskers band around Tobias Gubesch.



Straight off the street, Tovte was invited to play at a Jewish wedding in the synagogue of Cologne. The birth of the band and the initial spark for a journey into the world of klezmer.

Since then the five musicians have continued to develop and combine influences from klezmer and jazz-manouche with pop and classical music, creating a unique style.

"Tovte's original compositions deliver a surprisingly fresh klezmer, the arrangements alternate between very emotional and very energetic passages. Tovte's music is lively, emotional and captivating." Creole NRW Price Jury 2019



Tovte are inspired by renowned musicians such as the David Orlowsky Trio and Giora Feidman. In 2019, Tovte won the special prize at the NRW Creole Competition for World Music.