Ensemble Musikfabrik
Ever since its formation in 1990, Ensemble Musikfabrik has had the reputation of being one of the leading ensembles for contemporary music. Following the literal meaning of its name, Ensemble Musikfabrik is particularly dedicated to artistic innovation. New, unknown, and often personally commissioned works in unusual media are typical of their productions. The results of their extensive work, usually taking place in close collaboration with the composers, are presented by the Cologne-based international soloist ensemble in about 80 concerts a year in both Germany and abroad, at Festivals, in their own series “Musikfabrik in WDR” and in regular radio recordings and CD productions.
The musicians themselves take the responsibility for making all-important decisions. Exploring forms of modern communication, and new possibilities for expression in musical and theatrical areas, are a focal point. Interdisciplinary projects that can include live electronics, dance, theatre, film, literature and creative artists, along with chamber music, and the confrontation with works using open form and improvisation, extend the traditional conducted ensemble concerts. Lecture concerts and the experimentation with alternative concert forms involving audience participation are also part of this. Thanks to its extraordinary profile and its superb artistic quality, the Ensemble Musikfabrik is sought after world-wide and is a trusted partner of renowned composers and conductors. Since 2013 the ensemble has owned a complete replicated set of the Harry Partch instruments. Furthermore, the double bell brass instruments are another outstanding trait of the ensemble’s eagerness to experiment.
Ensemble Musikfabrik is supported by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The Kunststiftung NRW supports the series “Musikfabrik in WDR”.
As of June 2021
© Katharina Dubno
Past Events
Ensemble Musikfabrik II
Juliet Fraser, soprano
Peter Rundel, conductor
Music by Rebecca Saunders
Visiting Ensembles
Ensemble Musikfabrik
Peter Eötvös, conductor
Works by Helmut Lachenmann, Toshio Hosokawa and Peter Eötvös
Visiting Ensemble
musikFabrik / Peter Eötvös
Works by Luciano Berio, Iannis Xenakis, Peter Eötvös and Henri Pousseur
Visiting Ensemble
musikFabrik / Emilio Pomàrico
Works by Karlheinz Stockhausen, Helmut Lachenmann and Wolfgang Rihm
musikFabrik, Ircam / Peter Rundel
Works by Edgard Varèse, Emmanuel Nunes and Wolfgang Rihm
Visiting Ensembles