The Orchestras
Since its formation in 1995 the Ensemble MUSIKWERKSTATT WIEN under its direction of Huw Rhys James has established itself as one of the leading chamber ensembles for 20th century and contemporary music in Vienna. The ensemble was formed by prominent chamber musicians and musicians from Vienna's leading orchestras, who wished to contribute to the developement of contemporary music and to take part in projects that fall outside the context of mainstream concert and theatre programming. The size of the ensemble varies from the smallest chamber group to chamber orchestra. The ensemble has performed in the Austrian regions and abroad and in 1999 gave its debut in the Wiener Konzerthaus.
Our repertoire emphasises the unusual and rarely performed, presented within the context of a thematic concept. For this reason we try to integrate literature and discussion into our concerts. One of our main aims is to overcome the public's distrust of contemporary music. To this end we strive to provide balanced programmes, which entertain as well as challenge an audience. In the near future we hope to work more closely with young Austrian composers, for example Johanna Doderer, Christoph Cech and others. The Ensemble MUSIKWERKSTATT WIEN has performed at the Festival Musikhost Odense Denmark, the Biennale Zagreb, and at the Humanities Festival Chicago.
