Ever since its formation, Ensemble musikFabrik has had the reputation of a leading contemporary music ensemble. In agreement with the literal meaning of its name, Ensemble musikFabrik is particularly dedicated to artistic innovation. New, unknown, and often personally commissioned works making use of unusual media form their typical repertoire. The results of their extensive work, which usually takes place in close cooperation with the composers, are presented by this Cologne-based international soloist ensemble during up to 100 concerts a year both in Germany and abroad, at festivals, in their own “musikFabrik in WDR” series, as well as in regular radio recordings and CD productions.
The musicians themselves take responsibility for making all-important decisions. Exploring the capabilities of modern forms of communication and new possibilities for musical and theatrical expression is a focal point of interest. Interdisciplinary projects that can include live electronics, dance, theatre, film, literature and creative artists, along with chamber music, and confronting the audience with works using open form and improvisation, serve as an extension of the traditional formula of conducted ensemble concerts. Concerts combined with discussion and experimentation with alternative concert forms involving audience participation are also part of this approach. Thanks to its extraordinary profile and its superb artistic quality, Ensemble musikFabrik is a sought-after and trusted partner of renowned composers and conductors worldwide.
The ensemble cooperated with many outstanding musicians including Mark Andre, Louis Andriessen, Stefan Asbury, Harrison Birtwistle, Péter Eötvös, Heiner Goebbels, Toshio Hosokawa, Michael Jarrell, Mauricio Kagel, Helmut Lachenmann, Olga Neuwirth, Emmanuel Nuñes, Carlus Padrissa (La Fura dels Baus), Emilio Pomarico, Enno Poppe, Henri Pousseur, Wolfgang Rihm, Peter Rundel, Rebecca Saunders, Karlheinz Stockhausen, Sasha Waltz, and Hans Zender.
Ensemble musikFabrik is supported by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The NRW Arts Foundations supports the series “musikFabrik in WDR.”