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Collegium Novum Zürich is a contemporary music ensemble based in Zurich, Switzerland. The group was founded in 1976 by the Swiss composer and conductor, Detlev Müller-Siemens. Since its inception, Collegium Novum Zürich has been dedicated to the performance of contemporary classical music, with a particular focus on the works of living composers. The ensemble began as a small group of musicians who were interested in exploring the possibilities of contemporary music. Over the years, the group has grown in size and reputation, becoming one of the most respected contemporary music ensembles in Europe. Today, Collegium Novum Zürich is made up of around 20 musicians, including some of the most talented performers in Switzerland. One of the defining characteristics of Collegium Novum Zürich is its commitment to performing new and challenging works. The ensemble has premiered countless pieces by contemporary composers, many of whom have gone on to become major figures in the world of classical music. Some of the composers whose works have been premiered by Collegium Novum Zürich include Helmut Lachenmann, Brian Ferneyhough, and Beat Furrer. Over the years, Collegium Novum Zürich has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in Europe and beyond. The ensemble has been invited to perform at festivals such as the Salzburg Festival, the Lucerne Festival, and the Venice Biennale. In addition, Collegium Novum Zürich has collaborated with some of the most renowned conductors and soloists in the world of classical music, including Pierre Boulez, Heinz Holliger, and Matthias Pintscher. One of the highlights of Collegium Novum Zürich's career was its performance of Helmut Lachenmann's opera, Das Mädchen mit den Schwefelhölzern, at the Salzburg Festival in 1997. The opera, which is based on the story of The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen, is known for its complex and challenging score. Collegium Novum Zürich's performance was widely praised for its technical precision and emotional depth, and it helped to establish the ensemble as one of the leading interpreters of contemporary music. In addition to its performances, Collegium Novum Zürich has also been recognized for its recordings. The ensemble has released numerous albums on the ECM label, including recordings of works by Helmut Lachenmann, György Ligeti, and Morton Feldman. These recordings have been praised for their clarity and precision, as well as their ability to capture the essence of the composers' works. Throughout its history, Collegium Novum Zürich has received numerous awards and honors for its contributions to the world of classical music. In 2006, the ensemble was awarded the Swiss Music Prize, which is given to musicians who have made significant contributions to the Swiss music scene. In addition, Collegium Novum Zürich has been recognized by the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation, which supports contemporary classical music and honors outstanding musicians and composers. Today, Collegium Novum Zürich continues to be a leading force in the world of contemporary classical music. The ensemble's commitment to performing new and challenging works has helped to push the boundaries of what is possible in classical music, and its performances continue to inspire and challenge audiences around the world.

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