Ensemble Musikfabrik

Since its foundation in 1990, Ensemble Musikfabrik (Landesensemble NRW) has been one of the leading ensembles for contemporary music. In keeping with the claim of its own name, Ensemble Musikfabrik is particularly keen to commission and produce new works. The results of this work, which is often carried out in close cooperation with the composers, are presented by the Cologne-based international soloist ensemble in numerous concerts in Germany and abroad, at festivals, in the self-organised concert series ‘Musikfabrik im WDR’ and ‘Montagskonzerte’ and in audio and video productions. The CD series ‘Edition Musikfabrik’ with cover pictures by Gerhard Richter, selected by the painter, was released by Wergo. His own label Musikfabrik was founded in 2014.

The exploration of experimental forms of expression in music and performance is a central concern of the musicians. Interdisciplinary projects involving live electronics, dance, theatre, live video and visual art expand the conventional form of the conducted ensemble concert.

Ensemble Musikfabrik has also set itself the task of promoting the younger generation of performers and composers. Central initiatives are ‘Studio Musikfabrik’ and ‘Adventure’, which has been developing projects by composition students in collaboration with the Cologne University of Music and Dance since 2019 and presenting them in four annual concert phases. The ensemble bundles these and other educational measures under the title ‘Akademie Musikfabrik’.