Scharoun Ensemble
Kammermusik
The Scharoun Ensemble Berlin was founded in 1983 by members of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. The name of the architect Hans Scharoun (1893-1972) is inextricably linked with the Berlin Philharmonie, his greatest work. This concert hall has set standards worldwide, creating a space for making music in the spirit of tradition and experimentation in order to promote human communication and understanding. In honouring the legacy of Hans Scharoun, the eight musicians express an artistic self-concept which reflects their commitment to both the heritage of the past and the challenges of the present.
The ensemble comprises the standard octet instrumentation. Beethoven's Septet, Schubert's Octet, and chamber works of Mozart and Brahms are the focus of its classical and romantic repertoire, as well as 20th-century classical Modernist works and contemporary music. The Scharoun Ensemble has performed numerous works by leading contemporary composers, many of which have been commissioned by the ensemble. Works by Hans Werner Henze, György Ligeti, Isang Yun, György Kurtág, Wolfgang Rihm, Matthias Pintscher, Thomas Adčs, Jörg Widmann and many others form an integral part of the ensemble's repertoire.
The Scharoun Ensemble's programs are often enhanced through collaboration with other members of the Berlin Philharmonic, renowned soloists and conductors. In recent years, concerts by the ensemble have been conducted by Claudio Abbado, Daniel Barenboim, Sir Simon Rattle, Peter Eötvös and Pierre Boulez.
Frequent concert tours and appearances at major European music festivals have established the Scharoun Ensemble's reputation as one of Germany's most distinguished chamber music ensembles.
This season the ensemble is Artist in Residence with four concerts in the Philharmonie Essen. In Paris in the Musée d’Orsay they play in a special serie „Paris – Berlin“ three programmes, working together with Fanny Ardant. Further concerts are in Cologne, Vienna and New York.
Members:
Wolfram Brandl, Violin
Christoph Streuli, Violin
Micha Afkham, Viola
Richard Duven, Cello
Peter Riegelbauer, Double Bass
Alexander Bader, Clarinet
Markus Weidmann, Bassoon
Stefan de Leval Jezierski, Horn
2009/2010 SEASON
