Ensemble Espai Sonor is a contemporary classical music ensemble based in Barcelona, Spain. The ensemble was founded in 1989 by composer and pianist Hèctor Parra and composer and conductor Josep Maria Mestres Quadreny. The group's mission is to promote contemporary music and to collaborate with composers and performers from around the world. The ensemble's main members include Hèctor Parra (piano), Josep Maria Mestres Quadreny (conductor), and Joan Martí-Frasquier (violin). Other members have included cellist Miquel Àngel Marín, percussionist Miquel Bernat, and flutist Agustí Fernández. Ensemble Espai Sonor has performed at major festivals and venues throughout Europe, including the Venice Biennale, the Berliner Festspiele, the Festival d'Automne à Paris, and the Donaueschinger Musiktage. The ensemble has also collaborated with renowned composers such as Helmut Lachenmann, Brian Ferneyhough, and Salvatore Sciarrino. One of the ensemble's most notable performances was at the 2003 Venice Biennale, where they premiered Hèctor Parra's "Winternacht." The piece was well-received by critics and established Parra as a rising star in the contemporary classical music scene. Ensemble Espai Sonor has also been recognized for their contributions to contemporary music. In 2001, they were awarded the National Music Prize by the Catalan government. The ensemble has also received numerous grants and commissions from organizations such as the Spanish Ministry of Culture and the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation. In addition to their performances, Ensemble Espai Sonor is also committed to education and outreach. They have conducted workshops and masterclasses for young musicians and have collaborated with schools and universities to promote contemporary music. Overall, Ensemble Espai Sonor has established itself as a leading ensemble in the contemporary classical music scene. Their commitment to promoting new music and collaborating with composers and performers from around the world has earned them critical acclaim and recognition.

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