Klangforum Wien

Open-minded, virtuosic in performance and aurally perceptive, Klangforum Wien–one of the internationally most renowned ensembles for contemporary music–devotes itself to the artistic interpretation and expansion of experiential space. A performance of Klangforum Wien is an event in the best sense of the word; it offers a sensual experience, immediate and inescapable; and the novelty in its music speaks, acts and beguiles.

Ever since it was founded by Beat Furrer in 1985, the ensemble–which, over the years, has received a great number of awards and distinctions–has written music history: It has presented around 600 world premieres of works by composers from four continents; it boasts an extensive discography of more than 90 releases, and is part of the major music festivals in Europe, America and Asia

Klangforum Wien is made up of 25 musicians from Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. From the start of the 2018/19 season until summer 2022, Bas Wiegers was Klangforum Wien’s Principal Guest Conductor, taking over from Sylvain Cambreling who, however, has maintained a close relationship with the ensemble as its Principal Guest Conductor Emeritus. Per 1 January 2024, Elena Schwarz and Vimbayi Kaziboni serve as the new Conductors in Residence.

Klangforum Wien has its own annual concert series at the Wiener Konzerthaus. Every year, the ensemble commissions composers and gives numerous world and territorial premieres. The repertoire choice and the ensemble’s intense understanding of the pieces contribute to diversity, and are matched by the flawless execution of the music.