Ensemble Aleph is a French classical music ensemble that was founded in 1983 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for contemporary music. The ensemble's name, Aleph, is derived from the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, which symbolizes the beginning of creation and the infinite possibilities of the universe. The founding members of Ensemble Aleph were Jean-Charles François (flute), Jean-Pierre Robert (clarinet), Jean-Pierre Collot (piano), and Jean-Pierre Dupuy (percussion). Over the years, the ensemble has expanded to include a variety of instruments and vocalists, but the core members have remained committed to exploring the boundaries of contemporary classical music. One of the defining characteristics of Ensemble Aleph is its dedication to performing works by living composers. The ensemble has commissioned and premiered numerous works by composers such as Georges Aperghis, Luciano Berio, and Kaija Saariaho. In addition to contemporary music, Ensemble Aleph also performs works from the classical repertoire, often incorporating elements of improvisation and experimentation. Ensemble Aleph has performed extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and North America, and has been featured at numerous festivals and concert series. Some of the ensemble's most notable performances include appearances at the Festival d'Automne in Paris, the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival in the UK, and the Ars Musica Festival in Belgium. In addition to its live performances, Ensemble Aleph has also released several recordings, including albums of works by Luciano Berio and Georges Aperghis. The ensemble's recordings have received critical acclaim and have been recognized with several awards, including the Grand Prix du Disque de l'Académie Charles Cros. Ensemble Aleph has also been recognized for its contributions to contemporary classical music with numerous awards and honors. In 1995, the ensemble was awarded the Prix de la Fondation Simone et Cino Del Duca, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the arts and sciences. In 2003, Ensemble Aleph was awarded the Grand Prix de la Musique de Chambre by the French Ministry of Culture. Despite its many accomplishments, Ensemble Aleph remains committed to pushing the boundaries of contemporary classical music and exploring new avenues of expression. The ensemble continues to commission and premiere new works by living composers, and its members remain active as performers, educators, and advocates for contemporary classical music.

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