Musica Sequenza is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2011 by the German musician and composer Burak Özdemir. The ensemble is known for its innovative approach to classical music, combining traditional instruments with electronic sounds and incorporating elements of jazz and world music into their performances. Burak Özdemir, who serves as the artistic director and conductor of Musica Sequenza, was born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1975. He began his musical career as a child, studying the piano and later the clarinet. He went on to study musicology and composition at the Istanbul Technical University and the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg. After completing his studies, Özdemir worked as a composer and arranger for various theater productions and film projects. He also performed as a clarinetist with several orchestras and ensembles, including the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra and the Ensemble Resonanz. In 2011, Özdemir founded Musica Sequenza with the goal of creating a new kind of classical music ensemble that would break down the barriers between different musical genres and styles. The ensemble's name, which means "musical sequence" in Latin, reflects this mission. The core members of Musica Sequenza include Burak Özdemir on clarinet and electronics, the Italian flutist and recorder player Marco Ambrosini, the German cellist and gambist Hille Perl, and the German percussionist Michael Metzler. The ensemble also collaborates with a wide range of guest musicians and vocalists from around the world. One of the highlights of Musica Sequenza's early career was their performance at the 2012 Bachfest Leipzig, one of the world's most prestigious classical music festivals. The ensemble presented a program of works by Bach and other composers, including several pieces that had been arranged and reimagined by Özdemir. In 2014, Musica Sequenza released their debut album, "Vivaldi: The New Four Seasons," which featured new arrangements of Vivaldi's famous violin concertos. The album received critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards, including the German Record Critics' Award. Since then, Musica Sequenza has continued to push the boundaries of classical music with their innovative and eclectic performances. They have collaborated with artists from a wide range of musical genres, including jazz pianist Uri Caine, Iranian singer Mahsa Vahdat, and Turkish folk musician Derya Türkan. In 2018, Musica Sequenza released their second album, "Handel Goes Wild," which featured new arrangements of Handel's music that incorporated elements of jazz, rock, and world music. The album was once again well-received by critics and audiences alike. In addition to their recordings, Musica Sequenza has also performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Salzburg Festival, and the Istanbul Music Festival. They have also collaborated with several leading orchestras, including the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen and the NDR Radiophilharmonie. Musica Sequenza has received numerous awards and accolades for their innovative approach to classical music. In addition to their nominations for the German Record Critics' Award, they have also been awarded the ECHO Klassik Award and the Opus Klassik Award. Overall, Musica Sequenza is a unique and exciting ensemble that is redefining the boundaries of classical music.

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