Ensemble Courage is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2010 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for contemporary music. The ensemble is based in Berlin, Germany, and is known for its innovative and experimental approach to classical music. The founding members of Ensemble Courage were violinist Bogdan Bacanu, cellist Cosima Gerhardt, and pianist Xenia Pestova. All three musicians had extensive experience performing contemporary music and were interested in exploring new ways of interpreting and presenting classical music. Over the years, Ensemble Courage has expanded to include a number of other musicians, including clarinetist Heather Roche, percussionist Christian Smith, and flutist Sabine Vogel. The ensemble also collaborates with a number of composers and artists, including visual artists, dancers, and poets. One of the highlights of Ensemble Courage's career was their performance at the 2012 Darmstadt International Summer Course for New Music. The ensemble performed a program of contemporary works by composers such as Helmut Lachenmann, Salvatore Sciarrino, and Rebecca Saunders, and received critical acclaim for their innovative and dynamic interpretations. Ensemble Courage has also been recognized for their recordings, including their 2015 album "The Art of Levitation," which features works by composers such as John Cage, Morton Feldman, and György Kurtág. The album was praised for its "exquisite musicianship" and "thoughtful programming." In addition to their performances and recordings, Ensemble Courage is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly conducts workshops and masterclasses for young musicians, and has worked with a number of schools and community organizations to promote contemporary music. Overall, Ensemble Courage is a dynamic and innovative ensemble that is pushing the boundaries of classical music. With their commitment to experimentation and collaboration, they are sure to continue making waves in the contemporary music scene for years to come.

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