Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Ensemble Contrechamps is a contemporary classical music ensemble based in Geneva, Switzerland. The group was founded in 1977 by a group of young musicians who were interested in exploring new and experimental music. Over the years, the ensemble has become known for its innovative programming and commitment to contemporary music. The early years of Ensemble Contrechamps were marked by a focus on new music and experimentation. The group's founders were interested in exploring the boundaries of classical music and incorporating elements of other genres, such as jazz and rock. They also sought to collaborate with composers and artists from other disciplines, such as dance and theater. One of the early highlights of Ensemble Contrechamps was their collaboration with the composer and conductor Pierre Boulez. In 1980, the group performed Boulez's "Répons" at the Festival d'Automne in Paris. The performance was a critical success and helped to establish Ensemble Contrechamps as a leading ensemble in the contemporary music scene. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Ensemble Contrechamps continued to push the boundaries of contemporary music. They collaborated with a wide range of composers, including John Cage, György Ligeti, and Karlheinz Stockhausen. They also performed at major festivals and venues around the world, including the Salzburg Festival, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Lincoln Center in New York. In 1997, Ensemble Contrechamps received the Swiss Music Prize, which recognized their contributions to the Swiss music scene. The award helped to raise the group's profile and cement their reputation as one of the leading contemporary music ensembles in Europe. In the early 2000s, Ensemble Contrechamps began to focus more on commissioning and premiering new works. They worked with a number of emerging composers, including Michael Jarrell, Philippe Hurel, and Rebecca Saunders. They also continued to collaborate with artists from other disciplines, such as the choreographer William Forsythe and the visual artist Pipilotti Rist. One of the most notable premieres by Ensemble Contrechamps in recent years was the opera "Written on Skin" by the British composer George Benjamin. The opera premiered at the Aix-en-Provence Festival in 2012 and was a critical and commercial success. Ensemble Contrechamps played a key role in the production, working closely with Benjamin and the director Katie Mitchell to bring the opera to life. Ensemble Contrechamps has also been recognized for their commitment to education and outreach. They have worked with schools and community groups to introduce young people to contemporary music and to encourage them to explore their own creativity. They have also organized workshops and masterclasses for emerging composers and performers. Today, Ensemble Contrechamps continues to be a leading force in the contemporary music scene. They remain committed to pushing the boundaries of classical music and to collaborating with artists from other disciplines. They have a busy schedule of performances and premieres planned for the coming years, and are sure to continue to be a major presence in the world of contemporary music.

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