Atlas Ensemble is a unique classical music ensemble that was founded in 2002 by Dutch composer and musician, Joël Bons. The ensemble is made up of musicians from different cultural backgrounds and traditions, who come together to create a new and innovative sound that blends different musical styles and traditions. The idea for Atlas Ensemble came to Bons after he spent several years traveling and studying music in different parts of the world. He was struck by the richness and diversity of musical traditions he encountered, and he wanted to create a platform where musicians from different cultures could come together and collaborate. The ensemble's name, Atlas, is a reference to the Greek mythological figure who held up the world on his shoulders. Bons chose this name to symbolize the ensemble's mission of bringing together different musical traditions and carrying them forward into the future. The core members of Atlas Ensemble are a group of 18 musicians who play a wide range of instruments, including Western classical instruments like the violin and cello, as well as traditional instruments from different parts of the world, such as the shakuhachi flute from Japan, the duduk from Armenia, and the koto from China. One of the unique features of Atlas Ensemble is its use of a "sound atlas," which is a collection of recordings of traditional music from different parts of the world. The musicians use these recordings as a source of inspiration and as a way to incorporate different musical styles and techniques into their performances. Since its founding, Atlas Ensemble has performed at major music festivals and venues around the world, including the Holland Festival, the Berliner Festspiele, and the Edinburgh International Festival. The ensemble has also collaborated with a number of renowned composers, including Tan Dun, Kaija Saariaho, and Toshio Hosokawa. One of the highlights of Atlas Ensemble's career was its performance at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China. The ensemble performed a piece called "Silk Road," which was composed by Bons and featured traditional Chinese instruments like the pipa and erhu, as well as Western classical instruments. The performance was widely praised for its innovative blend of different musical traditions and its celebration of cultural diversity. In addition to its performances, Atlas Ensemble has also received numerous awards and accolades for its work. In 2011, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Prince Claus Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations that make a significant contribution to culture and development. The award committee praised Atlas Ensemble for its "innovative and inspiring approach to music-making, which bridges cultural divides and promotes understanding and dialogue." Overall, Atlas Ensemble is a unique and innovative classical music ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of music. Through its collaborations and performances, the ensemble has shown that music can be a powerful tool for bringing people together and celebrating cultural diversity.

More....