ergon ensemble
contemporary music, athens

With an illustrious 14-year history in the world of the arts, Ergon Ensemble has solidified its status as a paramount contemporary music ensemble, both within Greece and on the international stage. Comprising some of Greece's most exceptional musicians, Ergon Ensemble traces its origins to the International Academy of Ensemble Modern, assembling a dynamic roster of artists tailored to the unique requirements of each production. The ensemble has earned widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, renowned for the extraordinary caliber of its concerts and its trailblazing ventures, which seamlessly fuse orchestral and chamber music, musical theater, contemporary opera, dance, and multimedia music.

 

Ergon Ensemble's performances have graced renowned venues and festivals across the globe, including the illustrious Wien Konzerthaus, the Herrenhausen Art Festival in Hannover, Documenta in Kassel, Suså in Denmark, the International Pharos Contemporary Music Festival in Cyprus, the Bigli New Music Festival in Istanbul, SNF Nostos in Athens, and the Athens Festival. In Greece, Ergon regularly dazzles audiences at distinguished venues such as the Megaron Athens Concert Hall, the S. Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, and the Onassis Cultural Center. Furthermore, the ensemble frequently collaborates with the Greek National Opera, bringing contemporary opera and musical theater productions to life.

 

Notable projects in Ergon Ensemble's repertoire encompass a wide array of experiences, from Michel van der Aa's "The Book of Disquiet" to the mesmerizing "Madness," featuring works by Thomas Larcher, Peter Maxwell Davies, and Iannis Xenakis. "Icones" by Peter Maxwell Davies, a heartfelt "Tribute to Claude Vivier," "Alternativa," Minas Borboudakis' evocative "Z," and captivating "Music for Silent Films”.

 

The ensemble's highlights include riveting performances at the "éαρ fέστιβαλ" of Messiaen's Quartet for the end of time, and SNF Nostos Festival in collaboration with the composer and performer Shiva Feshareki. Additionally, Ioannis Angelakis' "The Voices of Bacchus," featured as part of the Ministry of Culture's "All Greece, One Culture" program, and a dedicated concert honoring the music of Iannis Xenakis at the Pharos Contemporary Music Festival in Cyprus.

 

In July, Ergon enthralled audiences with seminal compositions by S. Reich, including "Radio Rewrite" and "Reich-Richter," as part of the Athens Festival. Exciting upcoming projects include a performance of Maja Ratkje's "Pytheas" and a collaboration with the world-renowned trumpeter and conductor Håkan Hardenberger.